David Downton's Couture Drawings Presented At GRAY M.C.A Gallery

If there ever were a modern-day master of fashion illustration, it would be David Downton. Accredited with becoming a key factor in the revival of interest in the tradition of fashion illustration, Downton's artistic elegance has seen him work with everyone from Vogue and The New York Times to Chanel and Dior. Having earned his place amongst the 'greats of fashion illustration' long ago, his upcoming seminal exhibition at GRAY M.C.A Gallery proves why.

Titled Théâtre de la mode, the exhibition celebrates Downton's pivotal role played in fashion illustration over a quarter of a century, drawing upon his glorious haute couture depictions as a starting point. Through a principal palette of charcoal and an aide-mémoire of over one hundred of his sketchbooks, the breath-taking fluidity that has encompassed Downton's illustrative style for decades is set to be seen in a new light, highlighting the importance of fashion illustration today.

'For me, this exhibition is a culmination of 25 years spent recording the theatre of fashion', noted Downton in a press statement. 'These new works represent a look back and a step forward. A turn of the kaleidoscope, it is my most personal show to date.' Although the majority of Théâtre de la mode includes seminal works, most notably from John Galliano's Dior era as well as other industry-revered shows, the exhibition will also consist of 20 startling new works, with a number measuring over a metre tall, all of which encapsulate the energy and atmosphere of couture both on the runway and backstage.

In 2015, Downton was interviewed by Lou Stoppard for SHOWstudio's In Fashion interview series, where he told the then editor 'Paul Klee said drawing was taking a line for a walk, and I think fashion illustration is taking it dancing', a statement that rings true now more than ever.

Théâtre de la Mode: An Exhibition by David Downton will be on show at GRAY M.C.A at Cromwell Place between 15 and 26 November, 2023.