Quick Q&A with Illustrator Victoria Thorne

Illustrator Victoria Thorne has a whimsical drawing style. Her oeuvre is, at its essences, a mix of childlike joie de vivre and minimalistic beauty that transmit a feeling of optimism and hopefulness. In just a few brush strokes she is able to convey and elevate the most endearing aspects of fashion, that thing that drew us all to it in the first place, its transformative soul.

Here Victoria talks about the importance that family has in her life, getting a “big break” everyday and her love of adventure.

One of Victoria Thorne’s drawings.

How did you first get interested in fashion?

I was born in Hawaii. One of my first memories is caring deeply about a little silk suit I was given, trousers and a tiny coat. It was everything. I adored it and called it my Chinese Soup. It felt glamorous, very Anna May Wong. Still a favorite look.

What made you finally decide to launch out on your own?

I was working from home with four children. Consulting was the best option. Anything — houses, stores, events, flowers, packaging, styling, sketching, writing copy, calligraphy. I’d take the jobs that suited our time constraints. It pushed me to learn things. There were so many wonderful chances to explore new opportunities. It was a blessing, it kept me on my toes, it helped pay the bills.

What was your big break?

My belief is that we all get a big break every day. We’re here. We get to make a positive difference in someone’s life if we’re lucky. The biggest break I can think of is another new day.

Who inspires you?

My Family.

And…Rebecca Arnold, Grace Coddington, Mary Randolph Carter, Bill Cunningham, Helen Downie, Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, Richard Haines, Pat McGrath… All people who look at the world with fresh eyes.

Here Victoria reworks a Vogue magazine image.

Who living or dead would you love to be able to have dinner with?

My Family. All of them. Generations back, and today’s. I’d love to get to know some of my ancestors, I’d love to see my grandparents again, I’d love to give our parents and children and grandchildren time with them. Many of these people overcame incredible odds to get us here. We are forever in their debt.

Also Coco Chanel, Hannah Arendt, Joan of Arc, Therésè of Lisieux, Max Kolbe, Arthur Rackham, Jane Austin and Abraham Lincoln. They’re invited to the table. And all the freedom fighters.

What is your favorite trip?

Anywhere I haven’t been before. And any trip to see people I love.

When are you happiest?

On an adventure. With those I love. Drawing and painting. Looking at brilliant works of art. Making a difference.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing?

It’s always a challenge to stay present, to focus on all the good things. The world today can be confusing.

A recent post on Victoria Thorne’s Instagram feed.

What is your secret talent ?

I love cooking everything for Thanksgiving, especially the apple pie. I love the whole darn day. (But I love Christmas more.)

What is your motto or the best piece of advice you ever got?

Be excellent to each other.

What emoji do you use the most?

 or 

What is the latest Instagram feed you decided to follow?

@tibberuphoekeren. Brilliant style, wonderful human being.

Jessica Michault

Jessica Michault is the Senior Vice President of industry relations at GPS Radar by Launchmetrics. She is also the editor-at-large for ODDA magazine and contributes to publications like the New York Times, the Business of Fashion, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Mixte magazine.