LFW S/S’15: David Longshaw live illustration – Eleanor and the Squirrel

David Longshaw is an illustrator and fashion designer, combining both disciplines within his work. With such creativity seen on the beautifully illustrated invitations, we were intrigued to discover what was in store for his presentation. In the Marconi Lounge of the ME London Hotel, Longshaw could be found deep in concentration live illustrating onto a plain white dress of a somewhat unusual mannequin with a badger’s head; meet Beryl the Badger. As part of David’s brand, he has created a range of fictional animals that inspire his work.  David’s most famous is a mouse called Maude, described by BritishVogue as, ‘Longshaw’s longstanding cult creation’. This fictional fabric fashion mouse has certainly had her fair share of press having also been featured in many publications including the London Fashion Week newspaper and has been exhibited in Sotheby’s!  This famous fashionable mouse certainly tells us a lot about David’s creativity and his style of work.  By creating such a character, he has produced illustrative designs that appeal to adults, incorporating them onto clothing also.

For this presentation, David was celebrating the launch of his new book, ‘Eleanor and the Squirrel’ and previewing his new Spring/Summer 2015 collection inspired by the book. David has also created other publications including a story about Maude the mouse and an address book and notebook. ‘Eleanor and the Squirrel’ is described on the front cover as, ‘A fashionable children’s tale for grown-ups’. As a small crowd gathered, and two fabulous models walked out wearing selected pieces from Longshaw’s new collection, we saw that this statement is also reflected in his clothes.

On display were bright, fun and quirky pieces.  There was a white jacket with fluorescent linesand on top of these, designs of Eleanor the squirrel – the bright orange jumping out at us.  This was teamed with a blue colourful skirt, colour clashing with the illustrative jacket.  The other outfit featured a red gingham waistcoat with matching skirt and white ruffles of fabric; again thishad a playful, childlike feel to it.  Both models were wearing brown and grey heads representing Maude the mouse and another of David’s mouse creations, Doris. Whilst David continued to illustrate on the dress, Maude and Doris headed off around Fashion Week bringingsome fun to the street style at Somerset House.

What we found particularly inspiring about this presentation was the idea of letting your imagination wander through illustration, and the prospect of putting those ideas onto what you wear. Longshaw demonstrates that illustration is not just for children, and if you allow yourself to think outside of the box, you can create something fantastic.  After all, every fashionista needs a Maude!

Sophie Halbert

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