If you've read anything I've said about my book, then you know how passionate I was about having illustrations instead of photos. Apart from how photos can often invoke less-than-pleasant feelings about bodies, I also believe lingerie illustrations are the perfect way to show the beauty and delicacy of intimate apparel in a medium that even photographs can't quite touch.
While Sandy Wirt is, obviously, one of my favorite lingerie illustrators, she's certainly not the only one. Here are 5 more I think of as "must follows."
Karina Giada
The colors. The lightness. The transparency. I'm no artist, but there's a beautiful sophistication to Karina's pieces that would make them right at home in any bedroom or boudoir. Several of my favorite lingerie brands have recently commissioned illustrations from this artist, so she's definitely one to watch.
Drawn to Lace
Many of my favorite pieces from this artist are rendered in monochromatic black and white. In the absence of color, I can truly appreciate the lace and seaming details and I'm able to focus on the best parts of the fabrics. I can't be the only one who thinks these illustrations would be perfect for party invites or greeting cards. Can't you just imagine being invited somewhere posh with all your friends via one of these?
Kathryn Wellington Art
Fun Fact: Kathryn Wellington used to write for The Lingerie Addict! I often keep contact with former columnists, and I'm so glad I stayed in touch with Kathryn because that means I get to see her art. While this Instagram account is the newest on the list, I hope you can see that it's already one to follow. In fact, I've recently contacted Kathryn regarding a custom commission!
Logandria
No list of lingerie illustrators is complete without Logandria. If the name sounds familiar, it's because we first mentioned Logandria's account in TLA's 2018 Lingerie Bloggers List. Logandria is taking the lingerie world by storm with luscious silk scarves featuring her very own artwork. I managed to acquire the first one, and I have to say I'm madly coveting the second (featuring pieces from our own Karolina Laskowska). Is there anything better than lingerie art on silk? I think not.
Etta Shon
Of all the artists on this list, I've been a fan of Etta Shon for the longest. Her art reminds me of fashion illustrators like David Downtown, and I could easily (so easily) see her illustrating a lingerie book herself some day.
Etta Shon x Bordelle
Speaking of lingerie + fashion, Etta is also the artist behind Bordelle's latest embroidery, a stunning motif of nude figures that could only have been made by someone with a deep appreciation of both intimate apparel and art, and who understands the connection between the body and the textiles we use to cover it.
I hope you discover a new favorite illustrator from this list. After all, we should all make an effort to support the arts and artists behind them. And while you're on Insta, don't forget to follow The Lingerie Addict too!