“In fashion, the most gifted designers are able to capture the spirit of their era all while remaining timeless,” highlights the director of East of Mayfair. But there are still some masters that are lesser known by the greater public. “Antonio Lopez excelled in his domain. It’s not surprising to see his influence very present in the current iconographies of fashion and advertising.” In 1969, when Antonio Lopez set up shop in Paris, his style of drawing had already earned him trans-Atlantic recognition. Published in Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, he was an out-of-the-ordinary illustrator who had already collaborated with Andy Warhol and Anna Piaggi. In France, he worked with Karl Lagerfeld in addition to being Yves Saint Laurent’s stylist. As an influential figure in the fashion world, he was personally acquainted with a plethora of models like Grace Jones, Pat Cleveland, and Jerry Hall.
In the 60s, his work explored a multitude of styles around pop art, from op art to surrealism. His drawings didn’t cease to evolve in line with the times and the art scene, or just in line with his era. Today, a French designer is paying homage to him. Roland Mouret will be showing off some of Antonio Lopez’s never-before-seen drawings from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. In the middle of his own collection, within a refined, warm, and cozy boutique, a dozen works are being laid out that illustrate the coveted woman just as well as an Andy Warhol trinity. In these modern, colorful, and characteristic drawings, he intelligently sculpts the female body. His touch, ample and audacious, is lent to clothes and accessories, setting the icons of his century in stone with surprising fluidity. This rare occasion even allows for the discovery an enrapturing portrait of Mick Jagger, simply signed “Antonio”. He may have passed by the greater public unnoticed, but Antonio Lopez’s art has a strong influence on Missoni, while this fall MAC will also be creating a line of colors inspired by his work… For David Downton, he’s a “fashion illustrator, innovator, and provocateur”.
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