Gray M.C.A, the international leaders in the field of original Fashion Illustration, are delighted to present ‘Legends Only’ – a new exhibition by the most respected and celebrated fashion artist David Downton, in an ode to the female icons he’s portrayed, opening on Tuesday 8 March 2022 at legendary Mayfair hotel Claridge’s.

Bringing together over 16 original works by the acclaimed artist, Legends Only is a celebration of the illustrious career that has brought Downton into the orbit of some of the most legendary personalities including Cate Blanchett, Dita Von Teese, Carmen Dell’Orefice, Catherine Deneuve, Joan Collins, Iman, Linda Evangelista, Rachel Weisz, Paloma Picasso and more.

In a world where everything is disposable, some stars retain their preternatural glow in Downton’s portraits. Exploring what it is that singles them out, whether it’s a voice, a look, an atmosphere, the exhibition represents a continuum and a dream; the past becomes the present. Expertly blurring the lines between fashion and fine portraiture, Downton carried the golden age of fashion illustration into the 21st century thanks to his natural ability with the human form, spontaneous approach, and economy of line.

Downton’s work as a fashion illustrator also offers a coveted glimpse into the world of Paris haute couture shows, capturing looks for the likes of Dior, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Harrods and Estee Lauder. His work regularly features in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, and V Magazine amongst others.
In 2011 Downton was appointed the first Artist-in-Residence for Claridge’s, sketching the hotel’s most esteemed guests from the world of fashion and style. Downton’s portraits are now held in the hotel’s permanent collection in the Talking Heads Portrait Gallery, on the ground floor of Claridge’s.

Downton’s influence and sublime eye is key to the revival of fashion illustration as a refined and entirely artful medium in the communication of fashion, style and beauty with the artists’ work held in the permanent collections of The Victoria & Albert Museum in London; Palais Galliera Musée de la Mode in Paris and The Frances Neady Collection of Original Fashion Illustration in New York.

Legends Only launches on Tuesday 8 March and will be available to view until Sunday 20 March, with a special in conversation evening with David Downton and Tony Glenville on Wednesday 9 March, and a public late night view on Monday 14 March.