SF: Muse Of Honor Dita Von Teese Stars At David Downton Book Party

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer Photography

Dita Von Teese was the muse of honor when Ken Fulk recently threw a party to toast renowned fashion illustrator David Downton and his new book, “David Downton Portraits of the World’s Most Stylish Women,” at his downtown loft, dubbed the Magic Factory. Downton signed copies of his new book for some of San Francisco’s most stylish women. Guests included Denise Hale, who is also featured in the book, Vanessa Getty, Joy Venturini Bianchi, Olga Dubrovsky, Tatiana Sorokko, Mosh, Mary Beth Shimmon, corsetiere queen Autumn Adamme and the infamous British corsetiere Mr. Pearl.

With a foreword by Christian Lacroix and an afterword by cover girl Von Teese, this book showcases around 150 of David’s drawings, featuring celebrities, actors, models, and fashion designers. The illustrations are enlivened by fascinating anecdotes revealing behind-the-scenes stories from the world of fashion. Downton recounts his inspirations and specially commissioned photographs show him at work in his residence at Claridge’s Hotel in London, where the great and good sit for his portraits. In addition to Von Teese and Hale, other fashionistas featured in the book include Carolina Herrera, Sofia Coppola, Joan Collins, Iman and Catherine Deneuve.

Over the last decade, Downton has gained a reputation as one of the world’s leading fashion artists. His classically elegant, yet highly contemporary images have been a strong factor in the resurgence of interest in fashion illustration. Having originally trained in graphics, David’s natural ability with the human form, spontaneous approach and economy of line rapidly led to a hugely successful career working with, among others, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, V magazine, Chanel, Tiffany’s New York, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harrods, TopShop, Lancôme and the V&A Museum.

Photo credit: Drew Altizer Photography