FRIDAY FASHION ILLUSTRATION: HVAR TOWN, BABY!
Hello dear readers! In this post, I'll share a fashion illustration of mine. Afterall, it is Friday Fashion Illustration, isn't it? If you are wondering what that is, it is a regular feature on my blog that does not have an exact schedule. I don't post by illustrations on a weekly schedule or nothing like that, but I often post them on Fridays. I sometimes post them on random days as well but Friday Fashion Illustration has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Fashion illustration is something I was doing before I knew what I was doing. I'm sure there are fashion sketches in my first grader textbooks somewhere. Still, it took me a long time to devote a bit more attention to it and to start actually working on my illustrating skills. Maintaining my illustrating skills is also proving to be a challenge. When I don't illustrate or sketch on daily basis, I get rusty. So, doing quick illustrations is a great way to work around that. It also provides me with an opportunity to work on my skills without overthinking things or being too critical.
If you remember my last post, following one difficult painting (that I haven't shared yet), I took a break from painting by making a couple of quick fashion sketches in one day. For reference I used photographs of my outfits. The medium for all of these fashion drawings was coloured pencils (no brand) and regular printing paper. Basically, I used what I had at hand. Two of these rushed fashion illustrations I have already shared with you, and there are a few more to come. I suppose this could be called both a fashion and a location illustration since I also sketched some background onto this one. I'm known to do that sometimes (for example see this illustration post published in 2018).
Let me tell you a few words about the location. If it looks familiar, maybe it is because it was featured on my blog a dozen of times. Or maybe because it is a world famous destination! Hvar town is legendary. Legendary. Wait, isn't Hvar the name of the island? Yes, it is both the name of the island and the biggest town on the island. Hvar is the administrative and tourist centre of island Hvar. This beautiful historical city shares its name with the island it is located on. Hvar city is extremely popular with the tourist. Hvar has much going for it, what with the high number of sunny days and gorgeous terraces to sunbathe. Let us also not forget quite a few noteworthy historical sights. Some of the most famous landmarks include: the oldest European theatre for commoners, the 16th century city cathedral and the 16th century fortress. Let us not forget the gorgeous promenade. Should we have a look around? Why, I think we should! Why only talk about fashion when we can also talk about Hvar town. One of the forerunners of modern health tourism. The birthplace of modern organised tourism in Croatia. A truly gorgeous historical town that looks like it came out of some mariner fairy-tale. For some Hvar town is the playground of the rich, a jet set destination and what not. For me it is an museum in the open and a place where I can physically touch my heritage.
Before we get to the story of the location and the outfit, let me show you a gif of making this fashion drawing. Funny thing happened. I turned the A4 paper horizontally so I can get two fashion illustrations on the same paper. However, I ended up lacking the space for my platform heeled boots. So, what is a girl to do? Well, this lady decided to put another paper underneath and just keep drawing. I think that was a pretty good idea honestly. I managed to finish this fashion drawing in something like ten to fifteen minutes. So, a win- win in my book. I know some of you said that gif hurt your eyes, so I'm limiting them to one per post. Plus, if that is the case, this is also a warning. Scroll down this first gif quickly and let us get to the rest of the post.
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| Making of a fashion illustration gif- from a sketch to a drawing! |
That would be the gif and now we have another collage so you can see the drawing progress. As you can see, first I sketched the outline, then the details. I did not add that many details. I was not ambitious with this set of fashion drawings. Sometimes quick is good.
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| Making of a fashion drawing (beige coat and black skirt) vertical collage! |
So, when did I visit Hvar? You mean apart from this morning? This morning was work, however. I did not have time to pose this morning or take much photographs. It was also raining heavily this morning. That happens sometimes you know, even in Croatia. Even on Croatian islands that set the record in the most sunniest days. Even in a town that has won the title of the sunniest Croatian city year after year. Yes, Hvar really holds that title. They even have some historical measuring device they have been using for ages to record just how lucky they are with the sun. I remember watching a TV special on it and feeling a bit jealous even if I can't imagine why. I mean given the fact that my family owned a vacation house on the island and that I spent a lot of my childhood there. Maybe I just wanted to live on this island full time, even as a kid. Funny how sometimes out wishes, come true, isn't it?
Anyway, as I said I'm not sharing today's photographs, but ones that are about two months old. These photographs were taken sometime in December. I could go back and check the date, but I don't think it matters. It was probably mid December as the decorations were all around. I remember because I took photographs of them but I won't share them today, rather I'll save them for some other post. I think I have enough to talk about in this post as it is. Besides talking about my outfit and illustration, I do want to mention some facts about the town itself.
It was a sunny December day as you can see. Was it also warm? Yes, quite warm. Making my outfit choice practical. A lot has actually happened during our short visit to Hvar on that December day. Maybe I should save those stories for another post. I'm not sure I'll have the energy to type it all tonight. We'll see.
We took a bus to Hvar so we were on a schedule. I'm still without a car, so a bus is the only transportation available besides my feet. Going on foot from one part of the island to the next is not the most practical of choices, so we settled for a bus. We got there early in the morning, visited the famous cathedral (more about that some other time), strolled around the promenade and we also stopped so I could pose for the photographs. Speaking of the photographs, do you have any questions?
What is in the paper bags?
Now, that would be an obvious question and I do not mind answering. These lovely paper bags are filled with some goodies. As the holidays were in full swing there was also a holiday fair. Not just any kind of Christmas fair. It was a fair with locally produced goodies. All the people selling at the fair were local. So, you could see local designers, artists and farmers together. You could also buy stuff from them. So, what did we buy?
First, a bag made from recycled paper. It is a beautiful bag. I haven't shown it on my blog yet. There hasn't been time. However, I'm really looking forward it to. It is great to support local designers and artisans when you can. This bag also wasn't expensive. It is of course one of a kind.
Another items with bought was Sage home made juice. This lady sold it to us from her local farm. We had to drink it quickly because it was all organic. Of course, that was not a problem. We just kept it in the fridge and we finished a bottle in a week. It was yummy. So, that is the story of the paper bags. Shall we talk about my outfit?
Sustainable fashion files- How I wore these items before?
Just because I'm in a jet set destination does not mean I have forgotten about fashion sustainability. No, no. We'll always be saying no to consumerism on this little place to call my own. So, let me inspire you to shop your closets like a pro.
If you want to shop your closet as a pro, you need to find your essentials. Items that you can wear many many times. Items that you can style many different ways.
44 Ways to Wear a Camel coat, baby!
The sustainable camel coat - This is the 44th time I have worn this coat on my blog, baby!
Taken in account how many documented wears I have, this camel coat has paid itself. Taken into account that I don't post all of my outfits and many in fact stay undocumented, this coat has more than paid itself! A real number of wears must be close to one hundred by now. Oh, we do love a good camel coat. We have even illustrated it, remember?
The black belt bag
I have had this bag for a long time but I still like it. I feel like it adds an element of chic to any outfit.
My last post was full of items I have illustrated multiple times, sort of golden hits of my closet, and I loved that because I felt it managed promote sustainability in a number of ways. However, even in this post you can find some items I have illustrated before, and not just the above mentioned camel coat but also this cute black belt bag.
The black belt bag- I illustrated this item three times so far!
1) See how I illustrated this black belt bag with a vintage dress in 2021 ( this outfit comes this same short camel coat I'm wearing today, but I did not illustrate the coat that time).
2) See how I illustrated this belt bag it with a black leather jacket , a vintage mesh long coat and flared leggings in 2022.
The leopard blouse- second hand
1) See how I styled this leopard blouse with a midi grey skirt and heels for a chic summer styling in Jelsa.
The black midi skirt with high slit - second hand
The black platform heel boots- bought in Retro shop.
Does this boat look familiar by any chance? How about this landscape?
The fashion drawing I shared might not be ambitious, but once upon a time, I painted an ambitious landscape painting on canvas featuring this very scene.
This fishing boat behind me looks very similar to the one I painted in 2021. I used acrylic paints on canvas to create a large painting that depicts not only this boat but also the Hvar town panorama. I painted many famous hotels and buildings on this painting. Download and zoom in to see all the details.
Isn't this boat gorgeous? Indeed, it is. As you might know, I love painting boats. I have actually painted this boat two times. Click here if you don't believe me! Funny how these two paintings are different. One is painted in impressionist style, and the other in a semi-realistic style with hyper realistic details.
Isn't the sea gorgeous? I do not call myself the painter of the sea for nothing. It is my forever inspiration.
Isn't the sky gorgeous? Sometimes the blue sky inspires me just as much as the sea.
Are not the buildings gorgeous? I painted many of them in this painting.
Why is everything so gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous?
What did I ever do to be blessed to walk surrounded by so much beauty, to dwell in such a beautiful place?
If you enjoyed this painting, why not have a look at my other work?
If you look at more of my art, in particular the 'travel with my art' series, you'll notice that island Hvar is a common motif in my art!
For my fifth post in this series, I illustrated a historical Franciscan monastery on island Hvar with watercolours.
Some of you might remember I have already painted this gorgeous seascape location with acrylics on a A4 mixed media paper.
Is there anything more beautiful than a sunny day?
Anything in this photograph that catches your eye? Maybe the fortress? or the bell tower? Well, I blogged about Hvar town many times so if you want to see more photographs of Hvar town, you have definitely come to the right place!
VISIT TO HVAR TOWN HERE!
What about locations in immediate vicinity of Hvar town? Say no more!
1) VISITING MILNA NEAR HVAR town
Hvar town has quite a few noteworthy historical sights. Just look at that view behind my back. The most famous landmarks include: the oldest European theatre for commoners I have talked about so many times, the 16th century cathedral I also mentioned and the 16th century fortress I visited years ago. I would love to visit it again. You can spot the historical fortress towering above the city. Do you see it? There are also a lot of historical villas and Renaissance palaces you can admire. One thing I can never get tired of are the palaces. The stone details are so amazing. The historical hotels are also a sight to behold. If you are a hotel lover, this is the town for you. Hvar boots with stunning hotels, some historical while other more modern in appearance but all of them beautiful. I might come back to this post to edit it.
Hvar is also known for its writers. Afterall, it had the first communal theatre (a theatre in enclosed building), so it makes sense it had writers.
When it comes to playwright, we must mention a writer born in 15th and 16th century. He is the author of the first Croatian play. You can see his summer residence by following the link below and also read a bit about him. I yet have to visit it, so I'm offering you an online alternative to my blog:
The mansion of Hanibal Lucić (ca. 1530) is a monument of countryside architecture from the Renaissance period. It consists of two buildings and a spacious fenced-in Renaissance-style Garden, with visible indications of the late Gothic.
Hanibal Lucić was a Croatian poet and playwright (1485 – 1553), descended from a noble family, and his life is known relatively little, mostly from letters to friends. He left the estate to his illegitimate son Anthony, who, after his father’s death, published most of his literary legacy entitled Compositions of Various Written Varieties (1556).
Behind Lucic remained a small but carefully selected opus. He, like many early Croatian writers, destroyed much of his youthful oeuvre, probably during the plague that ravaged Hvar in 1519. He left only a small number of youthful poems and a translation of Ovid’s heroism by Paris Eleni.
He also showed his selectivity when composing the Writer Luveni Chancellor, which contains only 22 poems, but is nevertheless considered one of the best collections of love poetry in older Croatian literature. The mansion houses the Museum, Library, Hanibal Lucic Salon, Dr. Grgur Bucic Natural History Cabinet and other funds and the State Archives – Hvar Branch.* cited from the link above
It is written here that he destroyed most of his writings and also added- like other Croatian writers. Why would they destroy their writings? Well, they would sometimes consider their youthful work, especially romantic poetry, to be sinful and therefore in need to be destroyed. It is a shame, but so it was. I think we can also connect it with an artistic curse that spans over countries. Many artists destroy their works. Many authors ask for their work to be destroyed, both religious and non-religious ones. There are many reasons for this. We must understand that being an artist is anything but easy.
Anyhow, a lot of literature, and a lot of Croatian poetry in particular was lost that way. When you add plague to it, another traumatic event that stroked Europe, you can see how people in general (and artist in particular) started to question their work and life. Furthermore, there was also an uprisings against the nobles (and Lucić) was a noble. So, that was another thing that made him question his life. Conformation with death will make you do that.
Back to the topic of this outfit. I do like its silhouette. I might repeat it some time. It was very comfortable to wear and I enjoyed wearing it! I also like the neutral colour palette. Sometimes it is good to get back to the basics.
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| The Making of the Fashion Illustration / Reference outfit vs Illustration |
As always, thank you for visiting!
How are you doing? I hope all is well.
Lindos diseños. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Gracias!
DeleteFantastic pictures of Ivan. Your genius pictures and portraits are even better🤗 I wish you wonderful days on Hvar🥂
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. You're always kind.
DeletePiękne zdjęcia w niezwykłym plenerze, wspaniała ilustracja modowa i Ty szczęśliwa, bardzo ciekawy post. Pozdrawiam serdecznie 😘🌹
ReplyDeleteDzijekuje. Pozdrawiam.
DeleteWonderful style Ivana and great art :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ananka. I hope you're feeling better.
DeleteAdoro seu blog. Tudo muito bonito. Um beijo
ReplyDeleteThank you. Hvala.
DeleteObrigada.
Hi, Ivana! This is a beautiful island and a beautiful city!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irina.
DeleteIt's good to know how about Hvar and about Hanibal Lucic! I always think it is sad when authors and composers and artists destroy their Juvenalia- it's a part of them so they should remember their origins even if they are embarassing!
ReplyDeleteI like your boots and the way you solved the paper issue with adding another piece of paper! Clever!
I do like the way you have tied your coat in the outfit too!
Your beautiful painting of Hvar and the boat is gorgeous!
Thank you, Kezzie. I know what you mean, it is such a shame. Juvenalia should never be destroyed.
DeleteI love this reflection! 🌟 There’s something so timeless about a neutral color palette and a comfortable silhouette — it’s stylish yet effortless. I can totally see why you enjoyed wearing it, and revisiting these “back-to-basics” looks is such a smart way to mix comfort with classic style. Definitely a repeat-worthy outfit! 👗✨
ReplyDeletehttps://nanajee.com/2025/09/17/top-8-beaches-near-london/
Thank you, Sadia!
DeleteAs always, beautiful photos, illustrations, and landscapes! I loved everything :)
ReplyDeletehttps://www.heyimwiththeband.com.br/
Thank you, Valeria!
DeleteBeautiful photos and lovely illustrations.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda.
DeleteSo much energy in your fashion sketches, they really are wonderful! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vix!
DeleteHi Ivana!
ReplyDeleteI loved your post about fashion and illustration. I liked how you put it together and how you finished it off with the icing on the cake, that wonderful painting of the boat. What caught my attention most in the painting were the reflections of the water on the boat! That island must do wonders for people with mental health issues! I also loved the silhouette you chose to draw, and your pose is great!
Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Marisa. I made this painting years ago, but as it shows this exact location, I'd say that it is relevant.
DeleteThank you for the great post and the fantastic photos, dear Ivana! I have been to Hvar several times and love both the island and the town. As always, I admire your illustrations and read with great interest about how they are created.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I have to talk about your outfit. I love both the beautiful camel hair coat and the midi skirt with the slit. The look is perfect for a sunny winter day. You look simply gorgeous!
Love, Nadine
Thank you, Nadine.
DeleteFiquei feliz com a sua visita. Mais ainda em saber que gosta de rádio. Eu gosto e até amigos dos radialistas eu sou.
ReplyDeleteUm beijo e obrigado.
Obrigada!
DeleteYour blog makes me very happy. Thank you. Hvar is beautiful. Your talent is amazing. Have a blessed Sunday.
ReplyDeletersrue.blogspot.com
Thank you. Have a blessed Sunday, too!
DeleteBeautiful photos!Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI invite you to visit my last post. Have a good week!
Thank you!
DeleteLove your treatment of the water in the boat painting.. really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hena!
DeleteI enjoy painting the sea- and the water surfaces of any kind really.
Mamma mia che mare stupendo!!!! Con quella luce poi!
ReplyDeleteBeata te che puoi goderti una vista così bella, Ivana! :D
Bellissime illustrazioni, soprattutto il dipinto con la barca, è meraviglioso!
Sei diventata proprio bravissima nei paesaggi, in particolare la resa del mare è eccezionale!
Baci!
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
Grazie....e' davvero un posto bellissimo!!!!
DeleteYour painting of Hvar is beautiful. Where you live, there are some very pretty places. Your outfit is perfect for walking around the area, and I really liked your illustrations. Thank you for delighting us with your talent. Kisses!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed.
Yes, Croatia is a beautiful country,
I like how you tie the fashion illustration back to real-life outfits and sustainable wardrobe choices; it makes the post relatable and inspiring. The way you blend your illustration process, the location’s history, and practical outfit tips keeps the post lively without overwhelming the reader. It has a charming, conversational rhythm that makes it easy to follow and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melody!
DeleteI like to mix and write stories.
I love how you bring Hvar town to life alongside your fashion illustration. It feels like I’m strolling those sunlit streets with you while admiring your sketches. Your dedication to keeping your skills sharp really shines through, and I admire how you blend location and fashion so seamlessly.
ReplyDeleteI just shared the first post for the Movement Link-Up, and you can start entering from today:
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2026/02/first-movement-link-up.html
I can’t wait to see your post and link up so we can all share and keep moving together.
Thank you!
DeleteAh yes I recall seeing this locale before and I can see why you're so fond of it as it is really just so picturesque! You always do such a good job with rewearing your wardrobe and your fashion illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI do try, as rewearing our clothes is the key to fashion sustainability.
Delete