Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Virginia Johnson & Kate Spade

You had to know I would love this illustration by Canadian illustrator Virginia Johnson. This is me and my life right here in one drawing! I have had this in my photo file for a few months and meant to add it into my Kate Spade regift post last week. A Canadian artist who did artwork for Kate Spade... I couldn't be more proud! I have admired her illustrations for quite some time and had bought the Kate Spade style book series a few years back as gifts but never put the two together until recently.


You may remember the KS three-books series Manners, Style, and Occasions in Red, Green, and Blue covers. I must have gifted the other two, but I still have my copy of Manners. Lucky thing, I just spoke to them and the charming books are now discontinued which makes me happy that I kept one copy at least. The illustrations by Virginia Johnson were a good part of the charm of these unpretentious quides to social graces in this modern time. I had to pass on this quote from Andy Spade in the Gifts, Gifting, Re-Gifting section of Manners.

"Re-Gifting is an artform. But beware: If you re-gift to others, they may re-gift unto you"

I plan to talk about the delicate artform of re-gifting in an upcoming post. You had to know I was going to talk about this sooner or later, didn't you?



So beautifully and simply rendered.


As captioned in Manners ~ In a Museum Solo Viewing is Bliss
I love how this is illustrated with her head turned just slightly
.








Elements of delicate style.

Even from the neck down, you can still
imagine the conversation.
("Darn.....she wore the same shoe colour")


According to her website, the Canadian Toronto-based designer still does illustrations but is better known as being a textile designer who now sells to stores such as Kate Spade and Barneys. She has the most fabulous shawls on her website {click here}.





All illustrations from Virginia Johnson/Photo 2 by Sande Chase

15 comments:

  1. So simple, modern, and fresh. And that first drawing is definitely you!
    Catherine

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  2. I have adored her work and now covet her textiles, they are loose, free and timeless.

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  3. oh wow, I love her scarves! Thanks for sharing. It's always fun to discover CDN artists.

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  4. What an illustration Sande! I can't wait to see your regifting post~~ I know that it is such a fine line... I think you have taught us, even though i knew before, but your confirming my thoughts...it's all about the presentation and it makes all the difference~
    XOX's
    Janet
    p.s. I want that orange scarf!

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  5. I have been reading your blog for a while now but somehow finally just came across your website! It's fabulous and I love all your exquisite and fun gift ideas. Thank you for introducing me to Virginia Johnson, I'm going to take a look at her scarves right now.

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  6. Sande,
    Great post (as usual!) and looking forward to the re-gifting one. Never really took the effort to look up the artist behind Kate Spade's magnificent trio book collection, but I have always loved the bright whimsical appeal. Fortunately, I bought the set of books when they first appeared on the bookstore shelves, and now I save to pass along to my little crumb.
    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  7. I've always believed that the best way to regift is to donate.

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  8. Wonderful drawings!
    Thanks!!
    Carolg

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  9. Virginia Johnson has a charming store on Ossington just north of Queen Street in Toronto if you ever come into town. She is delightful and ever so talented.

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  10. Sande, Virginia's first illustration truly represents you. It is positively enchanting as is all her work.

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  11. As an artist, woman and etiquette consultant I am inspired by Kate Spade's style, color palate, and wisdom. I call on her "occasions" book on a regular basis - I love how she relies on fantastic quotes and these inspiring illustrations to tell her gracious living story. Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to your regifting post!

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  12. Beautiful drawings. I look forward to your re-gifting post as well. PVE suggested to me to check out your blog. I look forward to being a new reader. It is wonderful!

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  13. Such lovely drawings-I especially like the Kate Spade book on Style. I refer to it frequently.

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  14. Virginia J. is very talented...love her designs and illustrations.

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  15. I love this! I just did a post on this kate spade and her books on my fashion blog! Your blog is so adorable and the banner is amazing!!

    Hayley
    http://wingedhope.blogspot.com

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Your comments are such a lovely addition to my day. Thank you.

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