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New Canvas: Profile of Artist & Designer, Jessica Repetto
Picture a clandestine cinematographic moment of a woman walking into Brooklyn’s Spuyten Duyvil with “If you leave” by OMD in the background. The woman is named Jessica Repetto, designer and fashion illustrator based in Brooklyn. The bar scene is somewhat sparse for a Monday night but her chic 1940s flapper with a subtle biker flair, makes all the difference. “Did you find the place okay?” I asked. “Definitely! I live just down the block!” And that, explains it all.
Jessica’s modest girl next door attitude hides the sheer fact that her illustrated works have graced pages of Vogue Italia and Greek Vogue. Each rendition exudes a mini story within its color volume and sincerely engages the individual into a fashion meets space anatomical odyssey spectrum. Maybe her craft stems from her childhood spent around parents in the medical industry or her father’s love of design. Whatever the case, reaching such artistic scale has proven to be a laborious journey, but definitely not fruitless in result.
“While studying impassioned at FIT and building my portfolio, I simply began to reach out to anyone...everyone. I sent my portfolio to fashion editors, designers, writers, and those who I hoped could give me honest feedback. Some responded. Other’s not a word. It was scary at first to present my work....but I didn’t have much to lose. I knew I had to make it happen and in the process, I thought, something is bound to happen. And thankfully it did...it is”
Schooling eventually led Jessica to Milan, Politecnico di Milano, where her initial networking efforts in NYC landed her freelance work, which transpired into more exposure, and a confidence in her creative expression. It wouldn’t be too long before her view of fashion and ability to trend forecast via color intuitive illustration, was noticed, deemed golden and ultimately published. “Much of my work is a combination of surrealism and my sense of liberation as an artist. I feel peaceful while sketching or painting. I’d truly be lost if I couldn’t draw or express myself through art. Mixing mediums via painting, sketching, design and even styling, help me in my process and sincerely bring me happiness.”
And, with her up and coming men’s wear line set to debut next Spring 2010, Jessica is not only thriving in her craft but cultivating a new style for men. “My designs for the upcoming men’s collection reflect a sophisticated RTW line with classic gestures...Men’s wear is compelling and detailed oriented; two facets I strive for in my work."
As our time comes to a close I inquire as to her take of Brooklyn's culture, her feel of what is going on: "I'm finding Brooklyn to be in a sort of renaissance period. People are getting gritty, feeding one another artistically and pushing themselves to express. It’s wild and compelling...such a poignant time to be an artist here and own your craft.”
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