Summer Fashion Arts Festival Talk Series: Petra Dufkova

Petra Dufkova: Live Lines and Lasting Impressions
Part Of The FIDA Summer Fashion Arts Festival Talk Series

In a vibrant and candid conversation as part of the FIDA Summer Fashion Arts Festival talk series, fashion illustrator Petra Dufkova joined FIDA founder Patrick Morgan to reflect on her journey, share insights into the evolving landscape of illustration, and offer a window into her richly layered practice – one that bridges tradition, elegance, and contemporary relevance.

Trained in applied arts and fashion design, Petra’s early career moved from editorial illustration for magazines like Cosmopolitan to the dynamic realm of live event illustration. Though initially apprehensive about sketching in front of an audience, she has become a firm believer in the value of real-time drawing – not just as entertainment, but as a joyful form of storytelling. She recalled one particularly memorable moment: sketching fashion-forward guests adorned in elaborate masks. “There’s something magical about capturing the energy of people in the moment,” she shared.

Yet live work is not without its pressures. Both Petra and Patrick acknowledged the tension between client expectations and the realities of fast-paced, on-the-spot portraiture. Petra emphasised that while live illustration is exhilarating, the tight timeframes can lead to misunderstandings about style or detail. Still, she remains passionate about the emotion and spontaneity that live work brings – not just for herself, but for the people she draws.

Throughout the talk, Petra’s love for traditional techniques shone through. Whether working on commissions for brands like Louis Vuitton or David Morris, she consistently champions the hand-drawn image in a world increasingly dominated by digital tools. “It’s about preserving something human,” she explained, referencing her detailed, painterly approach that continues to set her apart.

A particularly exciting project saw Petra pitching a concept to Louis Vuitton, not for a campaign, but for an internal teaching workshop – a reminder that illustration can play a powerful role in brand storytelling beyond advertising. She spoke about the importance of collaboration and feedback, and the need to align a brand’s visual identity with her own signature style. Her recent work with Swarovski and on packaging for Faber-Castell and Hermès further demonstrates how her craft extends across industries – elevating not only products but also the experience of receiving them.

The conversation also explored the global differences in illustration aesthetics. Petra noted that French and American luxury houses often prefer the timeless, hands-on approach she embodies, while British brands tend to favour more conceptual or abstract styles. Patrick echoed this, adding that illustrators with strong technical foundations – like those from Germany or Russia – are increasingly valued for their ability to render elegance with clarity and control.

Petra’s current projects reflect the diversity of her career. Alongside luxury brand work, she has recently designed a collection of postal stamps for Jersey Island – a testament to how her talent translates across scales and sectors. Despite the variety, one thing remains constant: her commitment to bringing joy, beauty, and depth to her clients through the art of drawing.

In a fast-moving industry where trends shift and tools evolve, Petra Dufkova stands out as an artist who honours tradition while confidently embracing the present. Her advice to emerging illustrators? Stay curious, embrace a wide range of opportunities, and never lose sight of your own voice.

Check out more highlights from our FIDA Summer Fashion Arts Festival talk series – including conversations with other inspiring artists – where we celebrate those shaping the future of fashion and visual culture, one line, live moment, or luxe detail at a time.