Review: The Fible 5 — A Vivid Celebration of Fashion Illustration’s Future
The Fible 5, the latest edition of Fida Worldwide’s annual showcase of fashion illustration, arrives as a richly layered, visually stunning reflection of where the industry stands — and where it’s headed. More than just a compilation of artwork, this volume captures the exciting collision between tradition and innovation, highlighting how illustrators today are embracing new tools while remaining deeply rooted in the timeless elegance of the drawn line.
From the outset, the book makes its purpose clear: to honour and elevate the voices shaping fashion art, whether emerging or established. Diane Morgan, co-founder of Fida Worldwide, sets the tone with a heartfelt introduction that frames this fifth edition as both a celebration and a snapshot of a discipline in motion. Her words recognize the growing appetite for personalisation, nostalgia, and bold colour — qualities that increasingly define the aesthetics of today’s fashion illustration.
The standout collaboration between Japanese illustration legend Hiroshi Tanabe and Marc Jacobs Japan is emblematic of The Fible 5’s thematic focus. Their partnership distils sharp, stylised visual storytelling into an elegant yet playful narrative, reminding readers of the power of strong graphic identity in fashion communication. It’s a project that feels both retro and futuristic, holding a mirror to fashion’s cyclical yet constantly evolving nature.
In another compelling feature, Francesco Maccapani Missoni’s journey bridges heritage and innovation, offering insight into how family legacy and textile craft can be reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. His work pulses with colour and intention, a testament to the enduring power of artisanal design practices in an increasingly digitised world.
Massimo Casagrande, Education Director at Istituto Marangoni Paris, pens a moving foreword that reinforces illustration’s enduring relevance. He positions drawing not as a nostalgic medium but as an essential language — one that continues to connect identity, precision, and imagination. His reflections add philosophical depth to the book, reminding readers that in a time of AI-driven visual culture, the human touch remains irreplaceable.
The volume is also notable for its global perspective. With initiatives like the 5 Colours of Paris exhibition, the IFIW Top 100, and partnerships with Kingston University and Fashion Scout, Fida continues to expand the reach and recognition of illustrators across editorial, digital, and live event platforms. These projects underline Fida’s commitment not just to curation, but to nurturing the next generation of creative talent.
One of the more unexpected delights in The Fible 5 is the feature on food artist Rita Bressani Doldi and her brand Intermezzo. A former fashion insider with two decades at Gianni Versace Home, Doldi brings haute couture precision to the world of catering. Her work fuses fashion aesthetics with culinary artistry, offering immersive sensory experiences that mirror the drama and spectacle of runway shows. It’s a welcome reminder that fashion's influence extends far beyond clothing — into art, food, and the very architecture of experience.
In sum, The Fible 5 is more than a publication; it's a cultural artifact that maps the evolving terrain of fashion illustration. Through stunning visuals, thoughtful writing, and an eclectic mix of features, it affirms the relevance of illustration as both a commercial tool and a form of artistic expression. For anyone interested in the intersections of fashion, identity, and image-making, this is an essential and inspiring read.
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