Reflections of Elegance: Kenneth Paul Block and the Masters of Fashion Illustration

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Janet Andrews, Wooten Endowment Coordinator
Alamance Arts Council
213 S. Main Street
Graham, NC 27253
jandrews@alamancearts.org
336-226-4495

REFLECTIONS OF ELEGANCE: KENNETH PAUL BLOCK  AND THE MASTERS OF FASHION ILLUSTRATION

Alamance Arts at the Captain James and Emma Holt White House in downtown Graham, North Carolina will present Reflections of Elegance: Kenneth Paul Block and the Masters of Fashion Illustration, a stunning exhibition of original works by the most influential American fashion illustrator of the late 20^th century. Curated by the Kenneth Paul Block Foundation, which is holder of the most extensive archive of Block’s artwork, the exhibition will open free to the public August 16 and continue through October 20, 2018.

In the words of designer Isaac Mizrahi “more than any single designer, Kenneth Block gave New York fashion its sophistication.” In a time when photography captured the art of fashion, Kenneth Paul Block opted instead to use pencils and paint to interpret its soul. The exhibit at Alamance Arts presents Block as a renowned creator and influencer to fashion illustrators, both old and new. Borrowing from Block’s extensive personal collection of drawings by other important fashion illustrators, the viewer will see Block’s illustrations mirrored in works by historic masters and reflected in the new generation.

Kenneth Paul Block (1924 -2009) was born in Larchmont, New York. He graduated from Parson’s School of Design, and in the mid-1950’s, he became chief features artist for the legendary trade paper, Women’s Wear Daily. He would remain there for more than 40 years. In addition to that position, he held long-term commissions as an illustrator for Bonwit Teller, Bergdorf Goodman and Lord and Taylor. Each drawing he produced was incisive and daring. Gesture, posture and elegance were his hallmark. At fashion shows, collection previews and Paris couture, Block sketched the works of designers like Norman Norell, Geoffrey Beene, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, Perry Ellis, Andre Courreges, Pierre Cardin, Hubert de Givenchy, Alix Gres and Coco Chanel. As fashion changed direction, Block kept abreast and to a large degree began to influence the very designers’ work that he sketched.

Reflections of Elegance: Kenneth Paul Block and the Masters of Fashion Illustration will be exhibited at the historic Captain White House, 213 S. Main Street, Graham, NC (Exit 147, Interstate 85/40). Hours are Monday – Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm. For more information: 336-226-4495 or www.alamancearts.org.