Fashion illustrator, author and educator BIL DONOVAN has lengthened his long and illustrious résumé with the distinct honor of being the first and only artist-in-residence for the iconic house of Dior. He also serves as brand ambassador for Christian Dior Beauty. Which is where I come into the sketch: After a makeover with a Dior artist, I had the privilege of sitting for a portrait by Bil Donovan at Saks Fifth Avenue, by invitation of Beth Bobb and Sally Schule.




When asked if he possessed the natural ability of an illustrator all his life, Donovan replied with an emphatic “no.”  He had to work at it. Especially after a Fashion Institute of Technology professor discouraged him from pursuing the art, telling him he did not have the talent. 

Even with such a stinging rejection, Donovan was unafraid to push forward. “I had to defend my passion,” he said with ardent emotion. “I told her this is my dream--to which she responded that I would then need to work harder than anyone else.  And I did.”  





Fast forward to success: Now a nimble-handed craftsman, Donovan’s illustrations have since been seen in publications around the globe, from editorials to advertising campaigns. And he’s been commissioned by the most notable names both within and outside the fashion industry. Take the recent opening of the 1700-square-foot Dior Suite at the St. Regis New York, where his works don the signature Dior-gray walls. What’s more, it was purely coincidental that the St. Regis commissioned him for a Dior project…









Other fabulous works by the talented (and likeable!) BIL DONOVAN:

















Quick spin back to my makeover, I want to share to a few stand out Dior products:











By the way, while we’re having a Dior moment, have you heard about the recent launch of Dior Couture by Patrick Demarchelier? 



And finally, here, Cathy Horyn of the New York Times interviews Patrick about the Dior compendium.

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For more fashion news and notes, follow Heather Dunhill on Twitter @heatherDUNHILL.

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