Kenneth Paul Block
Kenneth Paul Block revelled in a time before the fashion magazines were riddled with solely photography.
“There is no better representation of how elegant women looked and dressed during the 20th century than what Kenneth left us. I think a lot of style went out of New York when he died.”
Kenneth Paul Block was one of the foremost fashion illustrators of the 20th century. Block’s sharp yet graceful brushstrokes captured the most important styles of the post-war era, including collections by Norman Norell, Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, Givenchy and Geoffrey Beene. In the introduction to Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Paul Block, published in 2008, described Block’s influence: “More than any single designer, he gave New York fashion its sophistication. Because he drew Babe Paley and Jackie Kennedy a certain way, they became what he had envisioned.” He was also one of the first to document up-and-coming designers Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis and Halston. Additionally, Block reported on some of the most fabulous parties of the time capturing images of fashion icons Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Babe Paley; making this collection a true historical representation of the time.
Block often drew under intense deadline pressure. In the May 2009 issue of Vogue, photographer Steven Meisel, who began his career as a fashion artist, recalled Block’s composure: “He would sit there with this long cigarette holder and a polka-dot bow tie, always a sports jacket, immaculate. He never lost his temper. He had so much style, so much class, so much chic.” Block was inspired by the glamorous film stars of the era and by the great fashion artists then, working for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Dance and music also had an impact on his developing artistic style. In 1945, he graduated from the Parsons School of Design. When Block started at Fairchild Publications in the 50’s his early assignment work included sketching New York ladies on Easter Sunday as they exited churches in their holiday finery, hats and gloves included. As the behaviour of the 1950s gave way to the sixties and beyond, he always kept up with the trends, though he regretted the loss of dignity in fashion; he missed hats and gloves. Even before Block’s career began, photography had begun to overtake fashion illustration as the primary method of introducing new styles, therefore a lack of fashion illustrators were needed in the industry, which lead to the loss of Blocks job in 1992. Block helped keep his profession going.
Italian Coats: Ferragamo, Genny, Versace, Krizia, 1990s.
Blocks Illustration (above ) is a very interesting piece. The colours used are so beautiful and all work very well together. I especially like how the colours on the one furthest left work together and blend well to give tones of different colours. When you look at the illustrations you can almost envision the 2D illustrations coming out of the page into a world of 3D. I could certainly picture myself wearing his illustrations. I love how each of the design used different shapes in it. Whether it is in the print of structure. On the third illustration I love the colour used in the print. I think it gives just the right vibe and looks amazing. When I look at it, I do not see one of the same print. Each stroke had a different way to it. It’s just so original! Also from first impressions you can tell the era is most likely the 90’s or 00’s because of the silhouettes of the illustration designs.
Coco Chanel Collection
How simply Block was able to illustrate Chanel’s collection denotes how amazing he was. It almost looks as though he just sat a scribbled a beautiful mess. Its amazing how he has captured the drape of the dress as the model is moving around with random lines. You can clearly pick out the drape and style of the clothing on the illusration.
Other illustrations by Kenneth Paul Block
I definitely love Block's work and it is something I can take in and process my own Illustrations from because of the era he was drawing in and they style of elegance he portrayed in his work. Although is was more based in New York and was influenced by his environment. He still was able to work with the most iconic Parisian designers around at the time; Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. -L
