‘All in red’ fashion portraits for Alain Mikli’s New York City boutique event in April 2026, celebrating the launch of their bold red eyewear collection.

Live illustrations by Deanna Kei, done entirely in red

I created live fashion illustrations for guests throughout the two-day activation at the Madison Avenue store, capturing individual looks through a red-focused palette inspired by the collection.

Guests stopped by for quick portraits and posed in their favorite frames, with each sketch completed in around five minutes, allowing for a steady flow while keeping the experience personal and engaging. The event also featured Polaroid moments and drinks for guests, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere within the boutique setting. The legendary designer, Alain Mikli flew in from Paris for the event and shared stories and style tips with attendees.

Deanna Kei creating live portraits at the Alain Mikli New York event

In the evening, the activation extended into a private in-store celebration accompanied by a live violinist, which added to the atmosphere of the event and created a more immersive, luxury experience. Live sketching continued during the evening, becoming part of the rhythm of the space as guests mingled and celebrated the collection.

Each portrait highlighted personal style alongside the statement frames, offering guests a unique, bespoke takeaway from the event.

An Alain Mikli client poses with her live portrait by Deanna Kei

Live fashion illustration brings an interactive and memorable layer to luxury retail activations, combining entertainment with a personalized artistic experience. For this NYC boutique event, the focus on red created a cohesive visual story that tied each portrait back to the collection.

Working in a live setting allows for spontaneous, expressive sketches that reflect both the energy of the event and the individuality of each guest. It was an inspiring opportunity to translate Alain Mikli’s bold, sculptural eyewear aesthetic into something immediate and personalized.

Deanna Kei is a fashion and beauty illustrator who collaborates with brands to create custom illustrations, and illustrated trend reports and content. She also sketches guests live at special events, brand activations, weddings, and private parties. To discuss a collaboration or book live fashion art for your next event contact: DeannaKei@gmail.com or see here for more details!

Valentine’s day is taking place during New York Fashion Week once again! If you’re in search of the perfect, on-theme activation to entertain your guests with, you’re in the right place! Here are some creative station ideas to make your special event unforgettable:

Guest in sketches in this post are wearing looks from Dior Spring ‘26 and Valentino Spring 26

Decorate your own fashion portrait

Guest’s love seeing themselves transformed into fashion sketches, especially when they’re dressed for the front row! Take it a step further by setting up a little decoration station where guests can then embellish their portraits with stickers, glitter, or other fun accents. Bonus points if you include branded elements! For example: stickers of mini shopping bags with your logo, or tiny product stickers guests can place on their sketch. This not only adds a playful, interactive touch, but it also reinforces your brand in a memorable way!

Live Fashion sketches: Get guests involved by letting them embellish their portraits after the artist draws them.

2. Fashion ‘Galentines’

Treat your guests to their own Valentine featuring a fun fashion portrait of themselves. To make it extra special, you can provide lace, colorful mini paper hearts, and ribbons so they can each decorate their Valentine themselves after having their sketch done. This is a perfect way to give attendees a keepsake they’ll treasure, and also invite them to join in on the creativity.

Fashion valentines: Guests can take their completed sketch over to the DIY valentine station and get creative!

3. Themed live product customization

Have an artist onsite to personalize your gift bags in real time! This creates a lasting, functional memento from the event, and also gives guests highly shareable, on-theme content. It works especially well for cosmetics and fashion brands, events with swag and sponsors, and bridal showers or parties.

Product customization: Guests can request specific motifs, or the artist can offer design options from a brand approved list.

After all, when Fashion Week and Valentine’s day overlap, it’s the perfect excuse to host the cutest event! 💕

Which of these ideas is your favorite? Leave a comment!

Decorate your own fashion portrait

2. Fashion ‘Galentines’

3. Themed live product customization