The exceptionally talented fashion illustrator Izak Zenou has worked with top brands like Chanel, Celine, Henri Bendel, L'Oreal, Sephora, Rizzoli, Vogue, ELLE, and Marie Claire over the last two decades. His whimsical illustrations are inspired by his love of women, fashion, and style icons like Audrey Hepburn. Izak's effortless and visionary style conveys an elegant yet fresh view of everyday life through each stroke of his brush.
2. 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.
IZAK ZENOU
3. Didyoualwayswant to be an artist? Yes, Ihave
been drawing for as long as Ican remember.
Illustrating was a gift that Ihad from quite early
on in my life. The first thing that Ican remember
drawing was a clown – Iwas about 7 years old
and everyone in my family was so excited about it!
Doyoulisten to music while youpaint andif so,
whatmusic most sparks your creativity? Most of
the time Ilove working with music. Ifind it very
inspirational!
Howhasyour artwork changedor developedover
the years? My work is so much freer because
Idon’t have a professional agenda anymore. Ijust
go with the flow and allow my inspiration to guide
me. Iam 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, Ineed to be
drawn in or seduced by the character that Iam
drawing. When I’m touched by the expression or
an element within an illustration, Iknow that it is a
successful piece. Ifeel like Ihave 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 Ican make people feel good through
illustration then Ifeel as though Ihave really
achieved what Iwant in my work.
Howdoyouvisualize your ownwork?Itis 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 Iam and how Isee the world. Itpossesses a
lot of instinct while embodying the whimsical –
this is how Isee 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 Ineed to execute a subject
that Iam less familiar with, or something that is
related to a very specific brief. If Iam required to do
research Iwill use magazines and the Internet, but I
also love to take pictures. Mostly, Iobserve the world
around me and get inspired by all the beauty that I
see. Iprefer ideas to flow naturally from my head, it
is much more organic and Ifeel less restricted this
way. When Iam inspired and working naturally my
work is much more fluid and real.
Describeyour work environment/studio. My studio
is a very peaceful environment, just the way that I
like it! Itis 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.
Whatsongwouldyouchose asthe soundtrackto your
life? Anything by Pat Metheny!
If youweren’t an illustrator, what alternate career
path might youhavetaken? Iwould still be involved in
the arts. Icould definitely see myself as a musician!
Whatis 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.
Whatis 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.
Idrew my sister Isabel frequently when Iwas
younger, Iguess 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.
Whatare youcurrently working on?At the moment
Iam working on a series of patterns for the Izak
brand and Iam also working on a new series with
Henri Bendel.
Whatis the best project youever worked on?Iam so
grateful for everything that Ihave been able to
accomplish so far. However, Iwould love to be able
to create a film. I’d also really love to collaborate with
other artists.
Whatis your mantra in life? Every day is a new day
and each new day gives you another chance to
succeed.
53. 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.