GUCCI Beauty takes the floor during the Nordstrom NY Anniversary sale

Gucci turned heads as they celebrated the launch of their brand new beauty counter in Nordstrom’s New York flagship store. The 3 day beauty activation took place on August 4th, 5th and 6th during the famed Nordstrom Anniversary sale.

All through the event every Gucci client who made a purchase had themself turned into a fun fashion illustration by Fashion Illustrator, Deanna Kei. With the gorgeous new beauty counter located in the center of the selling floor adjacent to the elevators, Gucci was perfectly positioned to draw a crowd. Many passing shoppers stopped to watch the illustrator and learn about the event. The artist was happy to explain the promotion and guide them to the Gucci counter on either side of her station, where they were met by the Gucci beauty specialists. Some new beauty clients were already fans of the brand. Others who stopped by to check out the event shared that they were shopping around for gifts when the sketches caught their eye. One woman who asked the illustrator “oh, does Gucci carry anything for men?” later left happily with a fragrance purchase and a sketch of herself. Another passing group who gathered around the illustration table expressed that they didn’t know Gucci had a beauty line and were excited to check out the counter. A family who came over to watch the artist also later left with a bag full of Gucci and their matching sketches.

By day 3 of the event, the entire Nordstrom store was buzzing about the brand. Employees from other floors had come by to shop Gucci and get sketched too after seeing others carrying their sketches through the store. One even brought their client from another brand to make a Gucci purchase. Nordstrom covered the event on the Nordstrom New York instagram page, and social media was buzzing all week as shoppers shared their Gucci sketches in insta stories.

The Gucci Illustration activation was such a creative way to get people excited and talking about the new counter, and to foster a feeling of connection between Gucci and its fans. Long time clients were able to experience the brand in a new way, and first time shoppers will undoubtedly fall in love with their new purchases and become lifelong Gucci clients!

Below are some photos from the 3 day event!

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations, and also works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products. She’s available to book for both live and virtual events. *To commission illustrations for your brand contact deannakei@gmail.com

Illustrator Deanna Kei draws Gucci clients during their Nordstrom NY event

Illustrator Deanna Kei draws Gucci clients during their Nordstrom NY event

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photo credit: Jared, Influencer @MicahJesse

photo credit: Jared, Influencer @MicahJesse

photo credit: Jared, Influencer @MicahJesse

photo credit: Jared, Influencer @MicahJesse


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Gucci gives clients the VIP treatment at the Grand Opening in Nordstrom

Gucci treated its luxury clients to something special to celebrate the grand opening of their beautiful new beauty counter inside Nordstrom at the Garden State Plaza Mall. During the 3 day event, which took place May 6th, 7th, and 8th, clients met with the team of talented Gucci beauty consultants and enjoyed the VIP treatment. After their consultations they were turned into fashion illustrations on the spot by Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei.

As each client sat for their illustration they gushed about their Gucci beauty purchases and shared their love for the brand. There was a strong sense of connection to the label and many specially requested to be drawn with Gucci accessories.

The event took place on Mother’s Day weekend and many of the clients were shopping for gifts. There were a lot of special requests for family portraits to top off their Gucci gifts. Deanna worked with reference photos that the clients showed on their phones to create their custom sketches.

The in store event was an exciting and thoughtful way to show appreciation to the customers, and everyone who came out left with a smile and a bag full of their newly purchased Gucci goodies! *To schedule a consultation with the Gucci Beauty Team at Nordstrom in the Garden State Plaza mall please reach out to Annie. (201-788-5808).

Below are some scenes from the May 2021 Gucci Beauty Event.

*Illustrator Deanna Kei will be joining Gucci again for their upcoming grand opening in the beauty department inside the Nordstrom on 57th Street, New York City. August 4th, 5th, and 6th. Schedule a consultation at the NY store to join in on the fun!

Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei, sketching Gucci clients during the event inside Nordstrom.

Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei, sketching Gucci clients during the event inside Nordstrom.

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A Gucci client holding a sketch of her with her mother.

A Gucci client holding a sketch of her with her mother.

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gucci - deanna kei
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The Gucci Beauty Counter at Nordstrom, Garden State Mall -  Photo by @AnnieChick_

The Gucci Beauty Counter at Nordstrom, Garden State Mall - Photo by @AnnieChick_

6 of Cruella's Fiercest looks - Illustrated

The latest Disney release, Cruella, brings fashion to the forefront in a captivating story of betrayal, revenge, and killer style. Cruella’s story is masterfully set on the streets of 1970’s London, and draws inspiration from the UK Punk scene and the styling of designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Emma Stone as Cruella is outfitted by costume designer Jenny Beaven.


I turned 6 of my favorite looks from the feature into Fashion Illustrations. To see all 6, read below! ~ and if you haven’t gotten a chance to see the film yet, don’t worry, this post doesn’t include ending spoilers.


1. This textured black power suit is one of the first outfits Cruella steps out in.

It’s the start of her stylistic transition.

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2. This fiery red gown is a show stopper.

Cruella undergoes a theatrical transformation which commands all eyes on her. She’s masked, mysterious, and captivates the crowd. Even the Baroness wants to know more.

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3. The film develops into a fashion war between two skilled designers.

This military inspired look is Cruella’s outfit of choice when she takes a bold stand, quite literally, and steals the spotlight, winning the battle.

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4. Cruella crashes an event on her motorcycle, dressed in a sculpted biker jacket with glittering gold pants.

The white lettering on her face reads ‘the future’, a bold declaration and an act of defiance.



5.The iconic spotted coat is totally remade a new, with a shawl collar and an asymmetrical color blocked silhouette.

This significant look leaves the Baroness furious. Sometimes fashion speaks louder than words.

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6. Cruella wears her signature colors again in one of her final outfits.

The contrasting color and mixed fabrics come together into one complete look, just as Cruella herself is made up of two contrasting personalities.



Cruella’s unique wardrobe acts to solidify her character. Jenny Beaven, the costume designer stuck to a tight color pallet of black and white, with the occasional burst of reds, golds, and grays while dressing the her. Each outfit corresponds to an important scene in the film. A film where the fashion is built in to the story-line: it’s no wonder everyone is talking about it!


 
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Which outfit is your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know!

BONUS: Which of Cruella’s Looks are you? Take the Quiz to find out!

Deanna Kei is a NY based Fashion and Beauty Illustrator. She works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products and collections. To commission illustrations for your brand please write to deannakei@gmail.com