FashionIllustration

Izak Zenou has forged a reputation as one of the globes most prolific fashion and beauty villustrators. His love of women, fashion and style icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Ines de la Fressange inspire his whimsical imagery. Izak’s effortless, visionary style conveys a breezy and fresh, yet elegant and enchanting view of every day life. Izak has lent his optimistic, colorful and fresh fashion authority to a diverse range of advertising, promotional and editorial clients across the globe. With every flawless stroke of his brush, he captures the essence of each brand that he collaborates with. Some of these illustrious clients include, Sephora, carry a capsule collection of IZAK branded cosmetics bags and accessories, Celine, whom Izak worked closely with to produce a series scarves; Guerlain, who created a limited edition Valentine’s fragrance with Izak, and perhaps most notably, after 15 years of collaboration, Izak continues to dazzle shoppers as the face of Henri Bendel, New York’s premier source for cutting edge style.

Clients also include Bulfinch Press, Catherine Malandrino, Chanel, Coty, Crimson Books, Domino Magazine, Harlequin Books, John Lobb, Laura Mercier, Lancome, Lilly Pulitzer, L’Oreal, Monoprix In France, Nordstrom, Naf Naf, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Printemps, Revlon, Rizzoli, Scholastic, Sephora, Target, The Limited, Virginia Slims, WE Channel, Woolite and Vera Wang

Izak has also worked with many of the worlds leading fashion publications including, American Vogue, French Vogue, Vogue Spoza, Vogue Bambini, Australian Vogue, English Vogue, Vogue Nipon, German Vogue, Cosmo Girl, Elle, Essence, Self, Brides, Gotham, Marie Claire, InStyle, Fidget, Mme Figaro, New York Times Magazine, New Yorker, Town and Country, Wall Street Journal, Officiel, Ophrah, and Travel & Leisure.

His ever increasing catalog of books include Billy Joel’s “A New York State of Mind” by Scholastic; Bohemian Manifesto by Bullfinch Press; Cooking For Mr. Latte, a Crimson Books series by Amanda Hesser; Harlequin, a six book series by Carole Matthews; The Nanny Diary series, Parachute Publishing; Princess by Francesca Castagnoli, Broadway Books, Mommy Needs a Time Out and Mommy Needs a Martini by Julie Klappas, 2 Lilly Pulitzer books and calendars on lifestyle and entertaining. The fashion world is increasingly excited about Izak’s forthcoming coffee table book that is slated for publication in spring 2014.

IZAK ZENOU

Did you always want to be an artist? Yes, I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. Illustrating was a gift that I had from quite early on in my life. The first thing that I can remember drawing was a clown – I was about 7 years old and everyone in my family was so excited about it!

Do you listen to music while you paint and if so, what music most sparks your creativity? Most of the time I love working with music. I find it very inspirational!

How has your artwork changed or developed over the years? My work is so much freer because I don’t have a professional agenda anymore. I just go with the flow and allow my inspiration to guide me. I am constantly drawing for myself in between projects, which is a great way to keep the creative juices flowing and keep me inspired!

While I’m creating a particular work, I need to be drawn in or seduced by the character that I am drawing. When I’m touched by the expression or an element within an illustration, I know that it is a successful piece. I feel like I have truly succeeded when the characters in my work come to life!

The most rewarding thing about my artwork is when women tell me that they are truly touched by it. If I can make people feel good through illustration then I feel as though I have really achieved what I want in my work.

How do you visualize your own work? It is really difficult for me to accurately describe my own work… But it is definitely spontaneous, and I believe it is also very honest. My work is true to who I am and how I see the world. It possesses a lot of instinct while embodying the whimsical – this is how I see the world!

Describe your creative process. Typically, I draw on things that I’ve seen and experienced myself as the inspiration for my work. I occasionally do

external research if I need to execute a subject that I am less familiar with, or something that is related to a very specific brief. If I am required to do research I will use magazines and the Internet, but I also love to take pictures. Mostly, I observe the world around me and get inspired by all the beauty that I see. I prefer ideas to flow naturally from my head, it is much more organic and I feel less restricted this way. When I am inspired and working naturally my work is much more fluid and real.

Describe your work environment/studio. My studio is a very peaceful environment, just the way that I like it! It is the polar opposite to the jungle that exists outside of my New York City window. The space is white, beautiful and free of clutter – the perfect area for me to create.

What song would you chose as the soundtrack to your life? Anything by Pat Metheny!

If you weren’t an illustrator, what alternate career path might you have taken? I would still be involved in the arts. I could definitely see myself as a musician!

What is your greatest indulgence? My greatest indulgence in life is simply doing nothing. Being able to just live and enjoy everything whilst doing nothing is so important.

What is your greatest influence?I grew up with 5 women in my household. Living with that number of women was certainly a huge influence on my work. I drew my sister Isabel frequently when I was younger, I guess you could say that she was the muse of my earlier work. I’ve also been very inspired by the artists Toulouse Lautrex and Rene Grau as well as Audrey Hepburn and Ines de la Fressange.

What are you currently working on? At the moment I am working on a series of patterns for the Izak brand and I am also working on a new series with Henri Bendel.

What is the best project you ever worked on? I am so grateful for everything that I have been able to accomplish so far. However, I would love to be able to create a film. I’d also really love to collaborate with other artists.

 What is your mantra in life? Every day is a new day and each new day gives you another chance to

Client: Art Assure Ltd. 2012

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Copyright notice: This book and all of its contents/images is copyright of Izak Zenou © 2015. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited and punishable by law.