Fashion Illustrator Kristina Gedris went a long way from drawing Nickelodeon characters to documenting fashion weeks. It’s hard to pinpoint what makes her work so alluring, but it’s probably that perfect balance of effortless precision. It’s also that tactile undone approach that makes her work feel so refreshing in our digitally-enhanced world; not to mention her flair for capturing the essence of both menswear and womenswear. Okay, so it’s not hard to pinpoint what makes her so good, but I decided to catch up with the London College of Fashion student anyway to hear what she has to say.
Were you always quite creatively hands-on as a kid?
I think I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember myself, and as a kid I illustrated characters from cartoons on ‘Fox Kids’ or ‘Nickelodeon’ channels. I also used to have many sketchbooks with drawings of me and my siblings in ‘cool’ outfits – this was fun to look at recently.
Describe your typical day for us.
No typical day for me yet I am afraid. But if I stay at home for a day, I tend to listen to my Soundcloud and experiment with illustration or research something new.
What is it like to be a young fashion illustrator today in all-consuming London, as you describe it?
They say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. You need to have a voice, that’s for sure.
Pencil and sketchbook or digital programs?
Pencil and sketchbook. I love the idea of creating a piece with your hands; the line that only you can produce because your hand is shaking or something – there is more uniqueness in it for me.
What’s the latest exhibition you’ve been to in London and what did you think of it?
I went to see Los Carpinteros in Parasol Unit recently and enjoyed looking at the watercoulor – the paintings were nicely controlled, which you can’t say about the objects that were painted. A good balance.
If you were given the opportunity to attend any fashion show that ever took place, what would it be and why?
I can’t think of anything particular, but fashion shows from the ’90s attract me a lot, so I’d just go to Paris or New York.
Who are some of the designers (menswear or womenswear) that prove to be the most visually stimulating for you?
John Galliano’s menswear from the ’90s and early 2000s had one of the brightest impressions on me ever since I was a kid. Exaggeration is life. There are so many more though.
Finally, who, living or not, would attend your fantasy dinner?
Soviet Russian writer of science fiction Alexander Belyaev would be incredible.
Nada Abdul Ghaffar
