Izak Zenou New Work

IZAK
NEW WORK

IZAK ZENOU
Izak Zenou is one of the most prolific fashion
and beauty villustrators today. His effortless,
style conveys a fresh, elegant and enchanting
view of every day life. It is optimistic, colorful
and a continously evolving fashion authority.
With every flawless stroke of his brush, he
captures the essence of each brand that he
collaborates with. Sephora created an IZAK
capsul collection with cosmetics bags,
make-up and accessories; Celine, produced
a sell-out series scarves; Guerlain created a
limited edition Valentine’s fragrance with
him, and perhaps most notably, after 20
years of collaboration, Izak continues to
dazzle shoppers as the face of Henri Bendel.
His lengthy list of clients include Vogue,
Vogue Spoza, Cosmo Girl, Elle, Self, Marie
Claire, InStyle, Mme Figaro, New York Times
Magazine, New Yorker, Town and Country,
Wall Street Journal, Officiel, Travel & Leisure,
Catherine Malandrino, Chanel, Coty, John
Lobb, Laura Mercier, Lancome, Lilly Pulitzer,
L’Oreal, Printemps, Revlon, Rizzoli, Sephora,
Target, The Limited, and Vera Wang.
Books by Izak 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 2017.

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
succeed.

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Copyright Notice: This book and all of its contents/images is copyright of Izak Zenou
© 2016. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the
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Fashion illustrator and artist Izak Zenou works with such brands as
CHANEL, Celine, Henri Bendel, L'Oreal, Sephora, Rizzoli, Vogue, ELLE &
Marie Claire
The exceptionally talented and stylish fashion and beauty illustrator Izak
Zenou has forged a reputation as one of the world's most prolific
illustrators.
Over the last two decades, the exceptionally talented and stylishly quirky
illustrator Izak Zenou has forged a reputation as one of the globes most
prolific fashion illustrators. 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.
Fashion artist and creator Izak Zenou works with such brands as CHANEL,
Celine, Henri Bendel, L'Oreal, Sephora, Rizzoli, Vogue, ELLE & Marie
Claire
The exceptionally gifted and classy fashion and sweetness artist Izak
Zenou has cast a name joined of the world's most prolific illustrators.
Over the last twenty years, the exceptionally gifted and stylishly far-out
artist Izak Zenou has cast a name joined of the globes most prolific
fashion illustrators. His love of girls, fashion and elegance icons like
Audrey actress and Ines DE la Fressange inspire his capricious
imagination. Izak’s easy, visionary vogue conveys a breezy and
contemporary, nevertheless elegant and fascinating read of each day life.