Fashion Illustration 101

Learn the unique art of live fashion illustration with Toronto-based illustrator Nessa Lilly, known for capturing the elegance and energy of fashion moments. Inspired by the Bata Shoe Museum’s new exhibition André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to bring fashion to life through quick, expressive sketches in 5 minutes or less. Nessa will guide participants through the dynamic process of live fashion illustration — a rare skill that blends speed, intuition, and artistry to capture style in motion to create original editorial style portraits.

In this workshop you will:

• Learn how professional illustrators capture movement, texture, and design in real time, creating a complete drawing in less than 5 minutes
• Practice gesture and proportion techniques inspired by Perugia’s sculptural shoe forms
• Gain insight into what it’s like to work as a live fashion illustrator at shows, events, and brand activations

No prior drawing experience is needed — just curiosity and creativity. This is a unique opportunity to learn a skill rarely taught in traditional art programs, while exploring the legacy of one of fashion’s most innovative designers.