I was invited to create live illustrations for a series of in-store events with Dolce & Gabbana at Harrods, working across multiple dates to support a luxury beauty brand activation within the iconic retail space.

Spanning both daytime sessions on the shop floor and a more intimate evening masterclass event, the activation was designed to offer clients a highly personalised and immersive brand experience.

In-Store Illustration at Harrods

Working live within the beauty hall, I created bespoke illustrations for guests throughout the day, capturing visitors as they moved through the space. Positioned on the shop floor, the process naturally drew attention, inviting shoppers to pause, engage, and become part of the experience.

Live illustration in a retail setting offers something unique: it transforms a moment of browsing into something memorable and personal, while also creating a sense of theatre around the brand.

An Evening Masterclass Experience

Alongside the daytime activation, I was also part of an exclusive evening masterclass event.

During this session, guests were introduced to a new makeup range, selecting a look that was then incorporated into their illustrated portrait. Each piece became a reflection not only of the individual, but of the product itself , subtly showcasing the collection through colour, style and detail.

These illustrations were gifted to guests as part of the experience, creating a lasting connection between the client and the brand.

A Bespoke Approach to Beauty Brand Activations

Working across multiple event formats allowed for a tailored approach to each moment, from high footfall engagement on the shop floor to more considered, one-to-one interactions during the masterclass.

This adaptability is key when collaborating with beauty brands, where the focus is not only on visual impact but also on storytelling, product connection and client experience.

Live Illustration for Luxury Retail and Brand Events

I regularly provide live illustration for beauty and fashion brands across London, working on:

* In-store retail activations
* Product launches and PR events
* Brand masterclasses and VIP experiences
* Fashion and luxury events

Each event is approached with a focus on creating something that feels both elevated and personal  aligning closely with the identity of the brand while offering guests a meaningful takeaway.

If you’re planning a brand activation or in store event and would like to incorporate live illustration, feel free to get in touch.

When Gen and Iain chose Battersea Arts Centre as the setting for their London wedding, they wanted their drinks reception to feel distinctive, a gathering that offered guests something genuinely memorable rather than the expected. They chose live illustration, and Claire was booked to create bespoke guest portraits throughout the drinks reception.

Over the course of the 2 hour reception, Claire illustrated over 20 guests in an elegant black and white line style, chosen by the bride to complement the couple’s aesthetic.
Guests took turns sitting for their portrait, each person completed in around 5 minutes, while others gathered around to watch the artwork take shape - creating a natural focal point that drew people together.

That sense of shared experience is part of what makes live illustration work so well at a wedding. It’s not just about the finished portrait - it’s the moment of sitting for it, and the pleasure other guests take in watching someone they know appear on the page.
Guests leave with something personal in their hands, a keepsake far more individual than a photo booth print and something they tend to hold onto long after the day itself.
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Gen’s feedback captured the atmosphere of the session beautifully:

“Thank you SO much for coming along and drawing so many brilliant sketches of (and for!) our wedding guests - everybody loved theirs!”
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Photography of the day was by Story and Colour.
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If you’re planning a London wedding and would like to discuss live illustration for your drinks reception or wedding breakfast, get in touch via the contact page. You can also find out more about wedding illustration on the weddings page.

February saw the pencils out and the bag packed yet again for more Live drawing in the heart of the action at the Autumn/Winter collections at London Fashion Week.
This time I was not only thrilled to be invited back to the Fashion Scout premises in Shoreditch but also to get an exclusive invite with Drawing Cabaret Couture to sketch the new Hellavagirl collection and see the showcase of designers at the Fashions Finest venue by Hyde Park.

​So much glorious material to work on over the next few weeks! Check out instagram for the sketches as they happened!