Opening Image Katarina Lernmark
Words Eve Fitzpatrick
Drawing Cabaret Couture is an online art class put together by Janet Mayer, professional cabaret dancer and model, Matthew Lawrence, artist and set designer. The class combines life drawing with haute couture, taking inspiration each week from different artists or themes.
The particular lesson that I attended was inspired by the work of Gustav Klimt. The set design was incredibly beautiful and intricately planned. Immediately you could feel the resemblance to Klimt’s work through every aspect of their visual creation. From the dress, to the wig, to the backdrop, to the lighting, to the poses, you could tell that every element of the set had been carefully thought out, and it felt no different from attending a fashion editorial shoot.
As an amateur drawer, I was a bit apprehensive to begin with, not knowing whether I’d be able to follow the class. But I was wrong. I found the two-hour-long session to be incredibly therapeutic and immersive, and I was able to take vast amounts of inspiration from their work to apply to my own.
The idea to merge together haute couture with the work of Gustav Klimt really benefitted my experience as it made me feel like I could interpret their set in many different ways. The class really allows for individual freedom and creativity. Going into it I was expecting there to be a strict set of rules to follow, however, the class really allows you to focus on your own thoughts and ideas, and ultimately serves as a valued piece of inspiration.
This class is perfect for anyone trying to escape the lockdown blues. For anyone interested in fashion illustration. For artists at any level. For anyone who finds themselves lacking new ideas to apply to their art and in need of some inspiration.
Personally, I really enjoyed the class. I found it to be welcomed escapism during these trying times.
More information regarding the class can be found at drawingcabaretcouture.com
instagram.com/drawingcabaretcouture
Here is a selection of images from the class attendees:


