FIDA x Miu Miu: The Art of Illustration in Fashion’s New Era

May 28, 2025

Fashion illustration, once considered a nostalgic craft of fashion’s golden age, is now at the forefront of contemporary image-making—and FIDA continues to champion this evolution. In a recent session bringing together a community of international artists, FIDA provided critical feedback, career guidance, and live event drawing opportunities with an eye toward the future of fashion artistry. The meeting was not only a deep dive into style, technique, and career strategy but also a reaffirmation of illustration’s unique place within the fashion industry, especially as brands like Miu Miu increasingly embrace the medium.

Artwork Selma Imrenk

Illustration has always had a romantic association with luxury fashion. Yet in recent years, brands like Miu Miu have reignited its relevance with a more contemporary lens. Known for its bold storytelling and intimate, youth-driven campaigns, Miu Miu has frequently collaborated with illustrators, commissioning work that feels both raw and emotionally resonant. Whether used in show invites, limited-edition packaging, or digital campaigns, the illustrated form offers a counterbalance to the hyper-digital, ultra-edited world of fashion media. It's tactile. It's personal. It's art. Miu Miu understands that—and it's part of a growing trend of fashion houses bringing hand-drawn expression back into the conversation.

During the FIDA session, artist feedback spanned both conceptual and practical concerns. Patrick Morgan, co-founder of FIDA, led the discussion with thoughtful critiques and mentoring moments. He encouraged artists to explore new materials and formats—from screen printing and live event drawing to using AI tools like Midjourney for copyright-free references. The meeting also served as a platform to challenge illustrators on pacing, suggesting quicker sketch practices for event work and more refined series for luxury brand pitches.

Artwork Diletta Burchielli

One of the focal points of the session was Tamiyo’s work, whose detailed drawings were praised for their style and narrative potential. Patrick suggested she test her practice in live events, especially in media like screen or lino printing on wearable formats—a market that's thriving in both experiential fashion shows and commercial events. Live event art, as he noted, is no longer fringe; it’s a lucrative and fast-growing avenue where illustrators can earn significantly while showcasing their process in real time.

There was also valuable advice tailored to each artist’s potential. Valya’s watercolour compositions were deemed editorial-worthy, while Paolka’s commercial edge echoed the boldness of Paul Smith’s visual identity. Patrick reminded Bar Persi—new to the group—that technical drawing remains a core strength in luxury fashion jobs, drawing parallels with his own experiences at Dior and Tom Ford.

Artwork Tamiyo Hashimoto

Feedback extended into creative play, with artists encouraged to loosen their grip on perfection and explore the sketchy, immediate feel that resonates with brands like Levi’s, while maintaining polish for houses like Dior. Diletta’s mixed-media work was celebrated for its tactile quality and market potential, with a suggestion to shrink and mount her work on card for greater impact.

The role of AI in fashion illustration was also discussed. Patrick proposed that artists like Wanda experiment with AI as a creative reference tool—especially to overcome the limitations of finding royalty-free imagery. He emphasised, however, that hand-drawn skill remains irreplaceable. The idea isn’t to replace the artist, but to empower them with new tools.

Artwork Paolka Wu

Artists left with clear, actionable next steps. Nina was tasked with developing accessory and shoe illustrations for potential Vogue engagement. Punida was advised to combine markers with her digital work and to collaborate with Kingston art direction students to style her garments for reference imagery. Sophia was guided to build a targeted series for luxury brands, while Ainoa was challenged to reduce illustration time dramatically in preparation for fast-paced live events. Meanwhile, Martha was encouraged to explore new stylistic approaches as a creative warm-up, and Katie’s collage animations were seen as fertile ground for brand collaborations.

Artwork by Susana Gómez

Ultimately, the meeting encapsulated FIDA’s core mission: to elevate the art of fashion illustration and empower artists to thrive professionally. Whether through mastering quick sketches at live events, building luxe portfolio series, or using digital and AI tools strategically, today's illustrators are no longer sitting at the edge of fashion—they're in the front row.

Artwork Punidavathi Palanivelu

As fashion continues to embrace the handmade and the human, brands like Miu Miu are leading the charge. And with FIDA paving the way, a new generation of illustrators is stepping forward—not only to draw fashion but to shape it.