Illustration for Emporio Armani's KAJAL Collection

Happy New Year My Loves!!

This is my first post of 2014 AND it is an utterly joyous one at that. I received some incredible news just before the clock struck midnight on January 31st - My O1 (Artist of Extraordinary Ability) Visa was approved!! After months of preparation, retrieving 20 letters of reference, collecting every press article ever written about me, and compiling 450 pages worth of my fashion illustration portfolio to date, I was recognized by the USCIS as having outstanding illustration skills. Now I have another 3 years in New York to keep reaching for the moon, the stars, and everything else in between.

It has been one heck of a journey (or battle rather) here in New York but I'm elated to say that it has all been worth it. Even though I was faced with several plaguing moments of doubt, I never, ever, ever gave up. I think back to where I was 2.5 years ago in New York, writing about my indeterminable future in a post called New Year, New Direction? It brings tears to my eyes thinking about how the fear of the unknown could have crushed me, how I held to my dream with such unwavering passion and determination to succeed. In life sometimes all it takes is a little luck and a lot of gusto to get to where you want to be.

With that, I present you with the illustration commission I did for Emporio Armani's KAJAL Collection live on their site now!! I also partnered with them not long ago on an illustration from their SS13 Collection, for their album Armani: Through the Eyes of Illustrators. I wanted to do an illustration that not only showcased the luxurious sunglasses but also was a bit conceptual/tongue-in-cheek too. So with the trend of #selfies ablaze, here is my illustrated instagram of the the KAJAL spectacles in all their glistening glory. I really hope you enjoy. I have so many more fun and exciting posts to share with you again soon so stay tuned.

So many hugs & kisses,
Meag xx