Meet Angelica Hicks, Fashion’s Newest Clever Girl

Mixing fashion and good illustrations has always been a good recipe. But when you also add a pinch of cheeky puns and poking fun at fashion and pop culture, you have a recipe for success unlike one we’ve seen in a while.

Meet London-based artist Angelica Hicks, who at only 23 is taking the fashion world by storm, one fashionable drawing at a time. Her clever illustrations poke fun at all things fashion and entertainment — models, designers, brands — and have made her an Instagram star who also landed a lucrative gig with Porter as the magazine’s first full-time illustrator.

FashionFiles: Tell us a little bit about yourself.  What is your backstory? 

I grew up in London to two designer parents [Editor’s Note: Her mother is fashion designer Allegra Hicks and her father, Ashley Hicks is an architect and interior designer (and second cousin of Prince Charles)] I have been exposed to the world of fashion since a young age. I always drew, but never pursued art in an academical sense. Instead I was drawing as a hobby, this also meant that i was able to develop a specific style from an early age.

FF: What was your big break in the fashion illustration world?

My big break in the fashion illustration world was when my illustration was re-posted by Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid as news broke that they would be Victoria’s Secret’s newest Angels.

FF: Why did you decide to focus on fashion, and particularly poking fun at the industry?

I decided to focus on fashion because I have always been very interested in it and amazed by the industry. I noticed that there were already many fashion illustrators out there, but relatively few were engaging with humor in such a direct way.

FF: When did you realize that you have a knack for punning fashion and entertainment?

I have always deemed a sense of humor to be the most noble of traits. And I am extremely fortunate to have a father who is hilarious; his “punniness” definitely rubbed off on me. I also read a lot as a child and as a result have a rather large vocabulary, which is a necessity when working in the world of puns.

FF: How do you get inspired?

Subconsciously. I’m an observant person so inspiration comes to me rather than me having to seek it out. this is a good thing, as i feel otherwise my work might feel rather forced.

FF: What is your favorite illustration you’ve created so far?

AH: Karl Lager is one of my all time favorites. I also love Ciggy Stardust and Mac and Cheese.

FF: Who would you love to illustrate, and conversely who would you never illustrate?

This question is quite difficult as I don’t set myself rules, nor do I have people in the wings, waiting to be illustrated. All of my work is very much what happens to have come to me that day.

FF: Has anyone been offended by your illustrations?

Not to my knowledge! Although I did once have someone comment #badlydrawncats under an illustration. Admittedly, the cat was drawn rather badly

FF: Who are your favorite fashion personalities?

Diana Vreeland, Iris Apfel, and the little known Baroness Elsa von Freytag Loringhoven…she was incredible!

FF: What about your favorite fashion illustrators?

Unskilled worker, Drawbertson and a new favorite- Grace Coddington!

FF: What’s next for you?

I just got approved for a visa, so I’m packing up and moving to NYC for good!

FF: Where do you see yourself in  the next 10 years?

Honestly, I haven’t the faintest clue, I don’t know where i see myself in 1 year.

FF: What advice would you give those who want to get into fashion illustration?

Post your work on Instagram! And don’t over think it….after all, fashion is funny!