David Downton opens Icon Series exhibit in LA

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
May 3, 2017

British fashion illustrator David Downton has brought his work to Los Angeles in a new series of large scale portraits entitled the "Icon Series."

Known for his painterly illustrations that have been part of the campaigns of luxury brands including Chanel and Valentino for over two decades, Downton has brought his fashion muses into their shared Hollywood spotlight with the Icon Series.

The show is a year long exhibit that launched April 24, 2017 in West Hollywood at Mary Ta’s Minotti Los Angeles and Mass Beverly showrooms. Ta and Downton paired up six months ago while meeting with mutual friends. With a push from Downton's agent who is seeking to bring more British art to America, particularly California, the exhibit was born.

Minotti Los Angeles explained of the show, "Some of the most beautiful and iconic women in the world have sat for Downton, and he has captured their unique spirit with his inimitable style of portraiture."

The show is curated into three parts, featuring contemporary icons, ultimate icons and imaginary icons.

Downton normally sketches his work from live models, often only having at most an hour with them. Unlike the live setting where he interacts with his models and gets his inspiration from their conversation, the imaginary icons work features portraits he created from photographs through fashion and film history.

Fashion and film stars attended a series of opening events last week. Sharon Stone, Anjelica Huston and Dita Von Teese were among those in attendance to support Downton in his newest venture in the US.

Ta spoke of what makes Downton different in today's industry, saying, “these days we are so busy we don’t stop. He stops. He listens. He perceives. His portraits are almost like reflections.”

As for Downton, he is very excited to be landing in California. He said, "the West Coast is still a dreamscape for people. It’s a great place for third act."

He will remain in California for the immediate future. Minotti Los Angeles has announced that he will be available for a limited number of private commissions.