“I first realised my interest in fashion illustration when I used to notice the costumes of superheroes in comic books,” Shamekh Bluwi tells GRAZIA. “I used to notice the small details, for example how each different costume reflected each hero’s magical powers.”

Since those early memories, the Jordan-based illustrator has worked with a diverse spectrum of clients, and created a plethora of stunning and varied illustrations.

xIMG_20160927_160251
Credit: Shamekh Bluwi

“Fashion illustration reflects what happens in the real world, which integrates high street fashion, high-end fashion, day-to-day street style, and haute couture,” he says. “It takes a modern approach nowadays with the emergence of digital illustrations and animated illustrations.

“You always have to keep up with the world around you, and this is a way to keep the fashion illustration form of art unique and original, yet up-to-date and hip.”

xIMG_20160921_144247

A cut-out sketch of Rosie Huntingdon-Whitely
Credit: Shamekh Bluwi

Citing Christian Lacroix as his “all-time favourite” designer, Shamekh acknowledges, “he took all his inspirations to the maximum. I love how detail-oriented he was, and how he was considered one of the most important avant-garde fashion designers.” He believes that “the brilliance of fashion is that it’s always changing, and what’s beautiful about that change is that it’s always inspired by the past.”

xIMG_20160405_182641
Fashion illustrator Shamekh Bluwi

He is also positive about the Middle Eastern fashion scene. “It has certainly evolved in a very pleasing way,” he says. “Just look at how many fashion designers, labels and talents that have emerged from the Middle East. We have a very rich culture, and it’s a main force of inspiration behind many of the budding design talents. It’s great to feel the momentum and watch the Middle Eastern fashion industry booming.”

xIMG_20160206_003952

xIMG_20160119_215450

xIMG_20160719_231242

xIMG_20160727_222109

xIMG_20160816_125622
All images courtesy: Shamekh Bluwi

This article was written by Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, Editor in Chief of GRAZIA Qatar. Follow her on Instagram.