Plus Size Fashion Illustrations

It dawned on me that there really are no Curvy (plus size fashion illustrations) in main stream fashion. A friend of mine asked if I'd draw one and I gladly obliged with four illustrations. While studying fashion over three years, we didn't venture outside sample sizes (size 10) except once. I really wanted to see what it would be like to illustrate something so new to me.

Back when I did dress-making for weddings & formals, most of my clients were size 16 (Aus size) & that's where I learnt how to sew for real, fuller-figured women & it was fun, challenging and never boring! Anyway, I believe all sizes deserve the right to be represented in the fashion industry, we are only just starting to crack through the concrete mold of what is 'normal'. Once being a size 16 myself in my teens, I can understand the frustration & lack of validation the industry can sometimes send in mixed messages in the media thanks to digital airbrushing and the like. Everyone is beautiful. There are many shapes & sizes out there, & you do count. "Be the change you want to see in the world".  Please enjoy my plus size Fashion Illustrations :)

Follow my Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Belinda-Zanello-Fashion-styling-illustration-jewellery/148916288493758

Australia Day

Happy Australia Day!

While I know most Aussies are looking forward to putting their feet up tomorrow as we all "put a shrimp on the barbie, mate", I can't help wondering why we really have this holiday, aside from being naturally amazing people. My way of celebrating is by doing some inspired fashion illustrations. Hope you enjoy :)

According to www.australiaday.org.au  "On Australia Day we celebrate across the nation in any number of ways, from community barbeques to fireworks to yabby racing. But it’s also the day where tens of thousands of people each year become Australian Citizens. Australia's Federation Guard raise the Australian National Flag at the same time as an aerial flyover and 21 gun salute in the presence of the Governor-General. The Prime Minister will then conduct the Australian Citizenship Ceremony and welcome Canberra's newest Australian citizens in Canberra at 10.00am on Australia Day, Thursday 26th January 2012."

I like this definition more than the excuse to have a BBQ. Just sayin'. Having been to a few citizenship ceremonies in my life, it's a pretty special time. I've seen the look of hope, independence & completeness on people's faces as they become Australians. It's great. Coming from an Italian background and having a diverse bunch of friends from different cultural backgrounds, I've always thought of Australia as (well it virtually has been called) the multi-cultural capital of the world. I love the richness that many cultures bring, the yummy food, arts, sports, music and more. For that I am truly grateful to be Australian. Have a shrimp on the barbie for me today :)

New Fascinator Photos

Today my new mannequins arrived & I gleefully unwrapped them like it was Christmas & now I can't wait to use them at the next Willunga Artisan's Market (Feb 11th) and also for photography. Hope you like the photos! To inquire about purchasing the fascinators, email Belinda.Zanello@gmail.com or leave a post on my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Belinda-Zanello-Fashion-styling-illustration-jewellery/148916288493758
Any name suggestions for the mannequin are welcome, I'm thinking Gigi because of her French wig ;p

Year of the Dragon

Happy Chinese New Year 2012!

Ever since I was a kid I've been waiting for this year since the last Year of the Dragon because fortunately, the Dragon is my animal sign. At the time I was 12 and realised I'd be going on 24 when it would come around again and was horrified at the prospect of being soooo old by the time it would come around again! Haha.                                            Anyway, I wanted to know more about this Year of the Dragon, apparently it's the water element this time around (hence my fashion illustration of a blue water dragon & a mysterious, dragon-esque asian fashion figure who has the confident, empowering characteristics of the dragon personality). The five Chinese elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The Dragon is made of Earth, Water and Wood. The Chinese New Year 2012 will primarily be a water year. This could mean riches and abundance or it could mean natural disaster.

If you were born on 

1904  1916  1928  1940  1952  1964  1976  1988  or 2000 you are also the dragon. 

It is one of the most revered years of the Chinese New Year calendar and those being born under the sign are regarded as innovative, passionate people who are colourful, confident and fearless. I'd recommend looking up your element as it's a kind of huge chart and frankly it's too much to type for a blog! ;p

"Earth elements prosper from Water. So if an individual has a strong Earth-related sign, then he or she will have the opportunity to make money in 2012. This year can also be prosperous for those with Metal and Wood-related signs. However, Wood signs must mind their words and actions as an unsavory reputation looms this year.

Water is not a good omen for Fire signs, as Fire fears water. Fire signs must be mindful of their personal safety, conservation efforts and exhibiting patience in 2012. However, female Fire signs could see blossoming social relationships in the Year of the Dragon, including romantic ones."

info from: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/285634/20120122/chinese-new-year-2012-predictions-dragon.htm  

I wish you the very best for the year ahead, hope it's an auspicious one! Xx

McLaren Vale Harvest Festival ART EXHIBITION Opening Night

A very exciting night to be involved in! There were close to 100 finalists picked by the judges to be in this Art Exhibit (Open from Jan 5th-Feb 5th, Rosemount Wine Estate, Cellar Door Gallery. (textile, jewellery, painting, drawing, sculpture, mozaic & more!) all in the theme of "harvest". Hence my gown "The Wine Harvest". I was really impressed with the jewellery designs & artistic integrity all artists brought to the exhibition.


Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg was there to open the exhibit at Rosemount Wine Estate, McLaren Vale on Jan 13th. There was a lot of Rosemount wine & delicious finger food I couldn't resist.

I'm really glad I got to meet a lot of inspiring and influential artists & see so many styles of art & creations. I'd also like to thank my friends and family who supported me along the way & to those who made it to the opening night. It's really special when you can share it with someone. :)

Here are just a few photos from the night, along with a professional shot by Caleb from Monumental Media.
Check out the Harvest Festival website too:

www.harvestfestivalmclarenvale.com.au

Photo by Antony Snape

Photo by Antony Snape

Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg

Event Photo by Monumental Media

Photo by Antony Snape