Fible 4 Book Design

Copyright Kelly Bailey

Artists were asked to analyse the DNA of the brand today, and create posters encapsulating the designer’s vision. The illustrations had to be powerful, capturing the visual codes incorporated in archival works, current ad campaigns and fashion shows.

Copyright The Fible Vol.004

As we wrap up another year of Fida activations in The Fible 4, we are reminded of the late Richard Serra, well known for pushing boundaries, who believed that ‘art has the potential to transcend boundaries and connect people’. Within the pages of this book, Serra’s belief is clearly in action. Through global awards, brand collaborations and industry projects, Fida has persisted with its mission to break down the barriers to career progression for the vibrant and diverse array of creatives in the field of fashion illustration and fashion arts, providing more opportunities to be seen. 

We are particularly excited to present some archived behind-the-scenes Gucci and Tom Ford designs in this 4th edition, illustrated by the consummate professional David Bamber, during his time as Vice President of Creative Services at Gucci and as the Design Studio Director at Tom Ford Womenswear, for over thirty years. Renowned for his creative flair and detailed image making, Bamber is an absolute master in wearable art, having spent decades visualising and designing masterpieces for luxury fashion houses.

Copyright The Fible Vol.4

Copyright Chapal 1852

‘From sewing machines to paintbrushes, from the craftsman’s hand to the artist’s, CHAPAL creations have come to life through the works of art of FIDA’s talented artists.

‘Constantly inspired by the art world, it was a real pleasure for the House to share this common passion for creation, as art and fashion are undeniably linked.

‘What surrounds me, the past, my passions constantly nourish my spirit and therefore my creations, what FIDA artists have been able to transcribe through their own.’

Jean-François Bardinon

Artistic Director of Maison CHAPAL 

Copryright The Fible 4

‘In a world where an endless barrage of algorithmically chosen images confront us on a daily basis, art reminds us of the human element central to all aspects of creativity.

Fashion addresses this in three dimensions, in what we choose to wear and in the fantasia of the runway.’

Vincent Nappi

Copyright The Fible Vol.004

Print details

Book, 235mm x 285mm 184 full colour illustrated pages

Casebound hard cover printed full colour on 170gsm silk matt laminate UV Varnish gloss

spot varnish

GF SMITH - 150gsm Munken Kristall T/W Rough

Colorplan 175gsm
Red thread-sewn binding 

Assembling Talent

by David Bamber

Illustration didn’t enter my creative world until I found I had a leaning toward “Technical/Engineering Drawing” at school. I enjoyed drawing an object in 2-dimensional “elevations” and then realising the same object in 3-dimension. Today all of this can be achieved far quicker on computer and it doesn’t involve continuously sharpening your pencil. However, call me “old-fashioned”, but as convenient as computer programs may be, when it comes to Fashion I still prefer and enjoy the skill of physically drawing and illustrating. I believe one can read a lot about a person by looking at their physical drawings.

Since childhood I admired anybody who had the ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas in the form of drawing. I was frequently to be found in second hand bookshops collecting illustrations from the magical worlds of Kay Nielsen, Edmund Dulac and Arthur Rackham.

“Fashion illustration” was a wonderful new focus. Inspired by Artists who could conjure up chic, expressive style with a simple, single line or brushstroke. The work of Zack Carr, who I had the pleasure of working with at Calvin Klein; Kenneth Paul Block, David Downton, and of course our own Patrick Morgan. 

Illustration in any form has so many tools and variables to achieve an idea. It’s a complex dialogue and the simpler it is executed the easier it is to communicate. As a designer, working in the industry, I needed to communicate the aesthetic side of my ideas with the constructive technical aspect of how I thought a garment should be made. My early education in “engineering drawing” came in very useful. 

As my own drawing style developed I found the seasonal calendars, and the flow of ideas in my head required a faster way to realise my designs. I was able to accomplish this with the use of a light-box.

Every Designer has their own style of expressing their ideas. In the fashion world the designer is the beginning of the creative process. Each season it is important the idea and the mood can be clearly communicated to the persons around you as they, in their turn, perform an equally important role realising the finished product. Communication is imperative. There is little point doing a beautiful illustration if the the team can’t “read” it.

Working in partnership on a project involving multiple design talents is always an exciting challenge. Once each party understands how to “read” another designers drawings, the creative power of the team takes over. Case in point; I had the wonderful opportunity to assemble a group of multi talented people, all designers in their own right, to work on a project for The English National Ballet. The concerted group energy created an astonishing and cohesive end result.

‘David is quite simply brilliant. In every way. As a designer he is innovative and original, and as an illustrator his sketches manage to capture more than just the structure of a garment but they capture its spirit, mood and style. In fact, “style” is a key word in describing David’s work as his sketches and designs are always exciting to look at and allow the viewer to dream of a more beautiful world.’

TOM FORD

copyright Dahren Davey

‘Some lovely works submitted this year. The works are varied and exciting. Drawing is very good. Aesthetics are broadening. Many image-making techniques are confidently used. Really nice to see some works that communicate a contemporary compositional awareness and those that confidently produce simpler, more minimal works, that explore the balance of line, colour and space.’



Copryright TOny Green

‘I have always been fascinated by the figurative form. I continue to experiment with colour and spontaneous abstract marks to push for something new. I believe when fashion illustration and fine art come together something great happens . I try to keep my work playful and energetic.’

Tony Green

Copyright Battle of Versailles

‘Fashion illustration today is all about capturing the spirit of style with a playful mix of traditional and digital flair. Artists are embracing the beauty of diversity, using their creative brushstrokes to celebrate different body shapes, cultural influences, and fashion vibes. Thanks to social media, these illustrations are like a global runway, showcasing the endless ways people express themselves through clothing. It’s a colorful, inclusive, and downright fun celebration of fashion in all its forms! How great that Fida Award is showcasing new talents and encourages them in their work and creativity.’

Viktoria Mailar Judge

‘Drawing is the most direct form of thinking and expression. There are no words to act as intermediaries, only the artist and their pencil, tracing life onto paper. 

It’s such a pleasure to see FIDA celebrate this on a daily basis, and it’s an honour to help choose the next rising stars in this business.’

Vincent Nappi Judge

Copyright The Fible Vol.001

‘With these awards, Fida brings together a variety of expressive works that have the power to tell a story and remind us why the relevance of illustration is stronger than ever in the age of digital media.’

Anja Karboul - Judge

‘Fashion illustration today is all about capturing the spirit of style with a playful mix of traditional and digital flair. Artists are embracing the beauty of diversity, using their creative brushstrokes to celebrate different body shapes, cultural influences, and fashion vibes. Thanks to social media, these illustrations are like a global runway, showcasing the endless ways people express themselves through clothing. It’s a colorful, inclusive, and downright fun celebration of fashion in all its forms! How great that the Fida Awards showcase new talents and encourage them in their work 

and creativity.’

Viktoria Maliar - Judge

Lacoste Event Launch

8th FIDA Awards Judges:

Nick Knight CBE - Fashion Photographer, Founder of SHOWstudio

Sara Sozzani Maino - Creative Director, Fondazione Sozzani. Int Brand Ambassador, CNMI. Advisor, Bidayat. Goodwill Ambassador, Fashion for Development. Creative Advisor, Conde Nast Italia.

Carolyn Massey RCA - Senior Design Director Menswear, Tommy Hilfiger 

Anja Karboul - Live Fashion Illustrator 

Rebecca Mason - SVP of Brand Image at Tom Ford

Amber Hunt - Curator, Artiq

Rob Unett - SHOWstudio, Fashion Illustrator

Lucinda Rogers - Artist & Illustrator

Viktoria Maliar - Artist 

Tony Green - Fashion Illustrator

Noel Chapman - Author, Academic & Fashion Journalist

Zhenya Z - Fashion Illustrator 

Vincent Nappi - Fashion Illustrator

Jamie Lee-Reardin - Fashion Illustrator

Jackie Mallon - Live Fashion Illustrator & Fashion Editor 

8th FIDA Awards Categories and Winners

The Excellence in Fashion Art & Illustration Award 

& Overall Winner - Melanie De Jong

Digital Technologist and Creator of the Year Award Winner - Rakee Chen 

Best Live Event Artist of the Year Award Winner - Tracey Smith 

Best Advertising & Publishing Illustrator of the Year Award 

Commendation - Ragna von Negelein

Animator & Social Content Creator of the Year Award Winner - Armand Cordero 

Portrait Artist of the Year Award Winner - Selma Imrenk 

Student Illustrator of the Year Award Winner - Millie Connor 

Print and Textile Artist of the Year Winner- Jiale Man 

Copyright The Fible Vol.001

Featured Artists in the Book