Double Happiness with Sylwia Lewandowska
Sylwia Lewandowska has made her mark in the fashion illustration world, earning a spot in the Top 10 of the IFIW Top 100 Fashion Portraits Prize for the second consecutive year. Lewandowska’s striking fashion portraits have gained her recognition as a rising star in the fashion illustration world. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her journey from a passionate fashion design student to a sought-after illustrator.
“I have been a FIDA member for several years, and since joining, the competitions have always motivated me,” Lewandowska shared. “Thanks to FIDA, I’ve met a group of incredibly talented artists, many of whom are successfully building their careers as illustrators. Fashion illustration is having a renaissance, and being a fashion illustrator is no longer just a dream - it’s possible. The Top 100 IFIW is another great opportunity to showcase my work to the world.”
Lewandowska's journey to this recognition began with a love for drawing that has been with her since childhood. “I’ve always loved drawing,” she said. “I dreamed of a job where I could use my skills. It was while studying Fashion Design at MSKPU that I fell in love with fashion illustration. I noticed that as a designer, I was more interested in the drawing process than the design itself.”
Her career took an unexpected turn when one of her Instagram posts caught the attention of a Polish fashion brand. “I posted a drawing of one of my designs, including a bag from a Polish brand I wanted,” she explained. “A few years later, the brand found my post and asked me to create an illustration for their gift card. That’s when I thought maybe fashion illustration was for me.”
Despite the growing success of her illustration career, Lewandowska has kept a foot in education, teaching fashion drawing at MSKPU since 2017. “I’ve always enjoyed teaching future fashion designers and costume designers,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve worked on various projects, creating illustrations for gift cards, book covers, and Polish brands. But in late 2023, I decided to pursue live drawing at fashion events, and I joined the MAD Illustrators agency in August. It’s no longer just a hobby.”
In her latest submission to the Top 100, Lewandowska embraced a new approach. “For the first time, I used only watercolours,” she revealed. “I usually work with promarkers or ink, but I was inspired by the Dior Haute Couture Show. I wanted to capture the fantastic mohawk look created by the model's styling and accessories. I started with the background instead of the portrait, which was a new approach for me. This time, the portrait came together quickly, taking only an hour to complete.”
When asked about her sources of inspiration, Lewandowska pointed to the rich history of fashion illustration and its masters. “I’m inspired by the art of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly fashion illustration from that period,” she said. “Designers like Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Lacroix, Alberta Ferretti, Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace, and Maria Grazia Chiuri have had a significant influence on my work.”
Looking ahead, Lewandowska has big plans for her career. “I’m working on expanding my portfolio and website, with a focus on live drawing at fashion events and weddings,” she shared. “One of my dreams is to hold a solo exhibition of fashion illustrations, and I’m also thinking about writing a book on fashion drawing. Next year, I’ll defend my master’s thesis, which focuses on fashion illustration in modern media. I hope to participate in Fashion Scout in London someday. I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
Sylwia Lewandowska’s rise to prominence in the world of fashion illustration is due to her dedication and passion for her craft. As her career continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that we will see even more of her captivating work in the future.
See more of Sylwia Lewandowska:
Website: www.sylwialewandowska.com.pl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylwia_lewandowska_art/
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