Gray Matter

Modesty is fashion illustrator Richard Gray's middle name. In fact, he's so reticent that he refuses to have his portrait published anywhere. But who needs to show off when you've already bagged some of the most prestigious assignments in your field? Gray has submitted so many gothic-inspired illustrations to the almighty Alexander McQueen that it's almost fair to label him the designer's in-house illustrator. But Gray respectfully disagrees: "I wouldn't by any stretch of the imagination call myself McQueen's in-house illustrator. But I have been fortunate enough to work with him on many, many projects over the years." Apart from a close collaboration with designers McQueen and Boudicca, Gray has illustrated the costumes for From Hell, the Hughes brothers' film starring Johnny Depp; made his name as a recurring contributor to Vogue Italia, immortalizing the couture shows; and drawn the unforgettable Agent Provocateur Sauce ads. A quick glance at Gray's inimitable Victoriana-style drawings confirms that he has no reason to be shy. We thank him for providing us with this issue's cover.
-Emma Holmqvist

Header Photo: Richard Gray for Sleek magazine
Agent Provocateur Sauce ad