The MNY Spotlight
Meet Bex, Fashion Illustrator & Multidisciplinary Artist
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi, I’m Rebecca, and my friends call me Bex! I am a multidisciplinary artist based in NYC with specialization in fashion illustration, abstract expressionism, and live artistry. No matter the medium, each artwork of mine is a “love letter to the beholder” which is why I sign them “xo, Bex.”
I’ve been a student of art and fashion my entire life, and a full-time artist for three years. My dream day includes paints, a good book, window shopping in SoHo, and a deep chat with a friend over coffee.
Bex wears the Lorena Convertible™ Bow Dress
You are a live illustrator who’s worked with major brands such as Coach, J. Crew, Saks, Tiffany & Co, and more. What have been some of your favorite events that you’ve worked?
Extra special events for me are those that feel like capital F for “Fashion” at its purest. That’s what my craft is meant for - after all, old school fashion shows had illustrators before photography.
A few that come to mind are:
Vogue Club’s Met Gala Watch Party - I wore a custom gown by joyful NYC designer Melke)
Saks New Wave Graduation - I got to see and sketch some designer friends as well as meet new ones and hear the stories behind their brands
NYFW runway shows and presentations - always a lightspeed fantasy
Have you met any cool celebs through your work? Any cool stories to share?
I mean it when I say, everyone I sketch is a celebrity to me. Spending a few minutes with each “Bex Babe” during their sketch gives me the honor to hear many special stories. In return, my hope is that they feel seen and loved. I’m known for asking so many questions, that people joke I’m like Lucy with her therapy table in Charlie Brown!
A recent notable celebrity that I had the honor of sketching was Vera Wang. Since childhood, I’ve looked up to her as an industry icon, so to have her approach my table, immediately understand and compliment my craft, and spend those couple of minutes with me was a full-circle moment I’ll always cherish.
How does fashion sketching differ from drawing other types of scenes?
Fashion inspiration celebrates aspiration, nostalgia, and whimsy. That emotional activation is a quality not present in graphic drawings. Fashion illustrators build emotional connection by capturing the essence of designs rather than by making realistic portraits (because we have photos for that!). A few of my heroes are: Erté, René Gruau, Gladys Perint Palma, and Joe Eula.
Follow Bex on Instagram @xobexstudio
I create many types of artwork - the sky's the limit. In addition to live fashion portraits, commissioned projects such as murals, installations, and product customization bring me valuable creative energy. Meanwhile, my abstract expressionist paintings are a therapeutic, sacred space. Many artists agree that we are driven by the creative challenges borne from discovering new mediums, atmospheres, and clients.
My path has been much more ephemeral and winding than a simple “how.” If I had to pinpoint a theme, it’d be the superpower of persistence and speaking life over ourselves. We all have something we were uniquely created for, and when we listen to that guiding voice in our spirit, we will follow the right path even when we don’t understand it.
Any tips for those who are looking to work in a hands-on creative capacity like you?
More important than “how” is your “why.” Find that and never depart from it - it’s your life force. (Especially on the hard days.) That central driver buttresses my second tip, which is to always dream a little bigger than your qualifications. This is passion, the force that brings the right people alongside you.
What would be your favorite Mestiza dresses to sketch? Can you show us one?!
I sketched The Lorena Dress, which makes me want to host a party and flit around the room making sure no glass is near empty. I'm always drawn to sketch anything with special design details like a bow or metallic print that I can hyperbolize and dream about.
What are your best tips for living stylishly inside and out?
My three ingredients for a stylish life are curiosity, confidence, and authentic identity. These are guaranteed to make you shine as you wear your clothes (rather than having them wear you).
Find these ingredients in the spaces that feed your inner child. I’m inspired by how children show up as who they are - it’s impossible for them not to. I’m not sure at what age that started being defined as vulnerability instead of human nature, but it’s not true! In actuality, we all can spot inauthenticity from a mile away, while being genuine is much more natural for everyone. It’s like listening to a sunny day song with the windy windows down – everyone wants to be in that car. That’s stylish.
If I need some inner child inspiration, some of my favorite spaces are: moving my body in a dance class, logging off social media for extended times, going to the library to use my physical library card, or booking a ticket to an event with a friend for no reason other than fun.
What do you love most about the Mestiza brand?
Mestiza is timeless and versatile - my dream style combo as a New Yorker. For example, The Lorena Dress is so luxe AND convertible!
In true NYC style spirit – I believe in wearing a favorite piece a million times, challenging myself to style and re-style. Follow me on Instagram and I guarantee in due time you will see me belting a sweater over this jacquard dress and adding loafers + socks… Or even clipping the bow belt to a pair of wide leg jeans.
How does wearing Mestiza make you feel?
Clever. Like I know a secret!!!
