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We Talk Dreams & Fashion with Artist Megan Hess

Discover the journey, inspirations, and creative processes of Megan Hess, the illustrator blending elegance with whimsy.

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 21 January 2025
We Talk Dreams & Fashion with Artist Megan Hess

As part of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Megan Hess, a globally recognized illustrator and author, sat down with UAE Moments for an exclusive interview. Hess, whose career spans collaborations with luxury brands like Chanel and Dior and the creation of the children's book series "Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris," shared candid insights into her inspirations, career journey, and love for Arab culture.

About Megan Hess

When asked how she would introduce herself to the Arab world, Megan described her passion for fashion and art:
"I’ve always loved fashion, and while I started as a graphic designer, I’ve now had the pleasure of working with so many iconic brands and fashion houses as a fashion illustrator. Over the years, I’ve also authored several bestselling books, including my beloved children’s series: Claris the Mouse. Bringing the world of dreams and fashion together is something that brings me great joy and I love that I can share that with the world."

The Shift to Fashion Illustration

Hess reflected on her career transformation, revealing how a single opportunity reshaped her journey:
"Growing up, I always wanted to draw and I loved fashion but I didn't realize you could be a fashion illustrator for a career. I studied graphic design in Australia but I really wanted to be a fashion illustrator so I was working in different creative jobs. Candace Bushnell saw my work in Italian VOGUE and then commissioned me to do the cover of one of her best-selling books. When the book was released, it was my big break - the illustration was on Times Square, on the sides of buses, everywhere! That's the moment that changed my life - after that, I started to work with luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Vanity Fair."

Arab Fashion and Culture

A highlight of the interview was Hess's admiration for Arab fashion:
"I think Arab fashion is very interesting and it’s just so different from what you see in other countries. I love the traditional style and I think that it's incredibly elegant and just so beautiful. Arab fashion is also so confident, I feel like women really know how to style and dress themselves with confidence. It’s always so textured and interesting–never boring or beige."

Hess also expressed excitement about visiting other Arab countries in the future, including Morocco and Egypt, to explore their rich histories and diverse cultures.

The Story Behind Claris the Mouse

Megan shared the enchanting origin of her beloved character, Claris:
"It all happened when I was on the balcony at the Le Bristol Hotel sketching the whimsical buildings of Paris when something caught my eye. It was an adorable little mouse on a neighboring building scurrying across the rooftops. I thought it was so wonderfully chic to live in Paris even if you were just a tiny little mouse! I think the message of Claris is what resonates with children and parents across the world. Following your dreams and being brave enough (no matter how small you are) to transform the world around you is something I think we can all aspire to do - especially when dressed in fabulous fashion."

Her Visit to the UAE

Hess described her 2022 visit to the UAE as magical, recounting a memorable desert picnic under the stars:
"There is just so much to see and do. It’s a country filled with experiences! One experience that I’ll definitely never forget was the most magical picnic dinner in the middle of the Arabian desert. Dining under a clear night sky and enjoying a magnificent feast - it was like something straight from a movie. Unforgettable!"

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Hess hopes her work will inspire others to dream big:
"I want to inspire others to dream, sometimes we all just need to take a moment - especially in the fast paced world we live in - to take time to appreciate the beauty of the world and the incredible things we can create. I want people to feel like they are whisked away somewhere that is a bit calmer and more magical…and filled with Dior handbags."

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