Inspired By The Runway: Dior, Marc Jacobs, & ‘90s Chanel

January 21, 2020 Courtney Rios 0

From walls to sidewalks to runways — art knows no bounds! Fashion is an art and lifestyle with leagues of talented artists and passionate followers. In addition to the couture that graces runways worldwide, there’s an entire realm of fashion that art lovers can appreciate as well — illustration! We gathered some of our coolest art prints inspired by real designs from runways past — some of which you don’t even need to be a seasoned fashionista to recognize!

Inspired By: Christian Dior Spring 2017 Couture | Artist: Skinny Nicky

“Lady Harvest” by Skinny Nicky shows a woman wearing a strapless gown and flowers in her hair while holding a bouquet of pampas grass, inspired by a look seen on the Chanel runway.

Merging pop surrealism with fashion illustration, this print by Skinny Nicky takes inspiration from a look modeled by Julie Hoomans for Dior’s Spring 2017 runway show. The set was created to look like a labyrinthine garden with overgrown greenery at the Musée Rodin in Paris.

Inspired By: Valentino Spring 2016 Couture | Artist: Sunny Gu

“Valentino Serpent” by Sunny Gu shows a woman with auburn hair in a green gown with a snake wrapped around her, inspired by a look seen on the Valentino runway.

Valentino’s Spring 2016 runway show harkened back to the early 20th century, flaunting Venetian style and pagan symbols. Artist Sunny Gu’s whimsical interpretation brings a live serpent to the original look modeled by Irina Kravchenko.

Inspired By: Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2019 Couture | Artist: Sofie Nordstrøm

“Gaultier” by Sofie Nordstrøm shows a woman with an elongated neck wearing a light blue, ruffled gown by Jean Paul Gaultier, inspired by a look seen on the Jean Paul Gaultier runway.

Airy fabrics and sharp angles comprised Jean Paul Gaultier’s Japanese seaside-inspired collection from Spring 2019. Fashion illustrator Sofie Nordstrøm recreated this look modeled by Cindy Bruna.

Inspired By: Chanel Spring 1994 Ready-to-Wear | Artist: Skinny Nicky

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“Kate In Chanel” by Skinny Nicky shows a portrayal of Kate Moss with pink and purple hair wearing a pink Chanel suit and matching chain belt, inspired by a look seen on the Chanel runway.

This print is a nostalgic throwback to a Chanel runway show from Spring of ‘94, which featured mini skirts, baggy shorts, hip-hop inspired gold chains and lots of tweed. It wouldn’t be Kate Moss without a signature cigarette, which artist Skinny Nicky adds in this print.

Inspired By: Michael Costello Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear | Artist: Rongrong Devoe

“Michael Costello SS17 Collection” by Rongrong DeVoe shows a woman wearing a flower crown on her head and a purple gown with a front slit and floral details, inspired by a gown seen on the Michael Costello runway.

Fashion artist and celeb favorite Rongrong Devoe took inspiration from a 2017 Michael Costello runway show, which featured dramatic, red carpet-worthy gowns in deep purple hues embellished with delicate florals.

Inspired By: Ralph & Russo Spring/Summer 2016 Couture | Artist: Heart Of Lily

“Glitter Peplum” by Heart Of Lily shows a woman in a long, sparkly, black gown against a black background, inspired by a look seen on the Ralph & Russo runway.

Artist Heart Of Lily’ illustration is a minimalist take on a look from a 2016 Ralph & Russo couture collection, which featured organza, silk, 1950s silhouettes, and inspiration from Chinese calligraphy.

Inspired By: Giambattista Valli Spring 2019 Couture | Artist: Sofie Nordstrøm

“Giambattista Valli Red” by Sofie Nordstrøm shows a woman with an elongated neck wearing a red, ruffled Giambattista Valli gown, inspired by a look seen on the Giambattista Valli runway.

Sofie Nordstrøm’s traditional fashion illustration recreates an extravagant look from Giambattista Valli’s Spring 2019 couture runway show, which emphasized elongated forms, asymmetrical shapes, and some serious volume.

Inspired By: The Queen & Anna Wintour at London Fashion Week 2018 | Artist: Aaron Favaloro

“Two Queens I” by Aaron Favaloro shows Anna Wintour and Queen Elizabeth sitting beside each other while Anna pours the Queen a cup of tea.

Last but certainly not least is this iconic illustration by Aaron Favaloro. While not exactly a runway illustration, it’s nevertheless a major moment in fashion history. We can’t think of a more powerful front row pair than Liz and Ms. Editor-in-Chief.

View more fashion art and runway-inspired illustration in our collection of more than 9,500 prints available on iCanvas.