Style Illustration Of Raye by Mischa Dungo

New wave in collaboration with Ravensbourne University worked on an exciting student program program that brings together the creative minds of talented students to reimagine fashion history. This unique initiative allowed students to dive deep into the evolution of iconic public figures by selecting three distinct eras from their chosen talents' careers. With a focus on understanding the stylistic details that defined these pivotal moments in fashion, the students meticulously researched each era, from the cut and color of clothing to the cultural and social influences that shaped their public image. The students then channeled their findings into original illustrations, each crafted in their own distinctive style. The result is a stunning visual celebration of fashion’s transformative power, as interpreted through the lens of fresh, emerging talent. This collaborative project highlights the intersection of creativity, fashion, and history, offering a modern perspective on the stylistic evolution of the personalities that shaped popular culture.

From a pool of incredibly talented illustrators, four standout students were selected for their exceptional ability to meet the brief with both creativity and precision. Each of these students not only demonstrated thorough research into their chosen talents but also brought their unique artistic voice to the project, delivering refined and distinct illustrations that captured the essence of their subject’s fashion evolution.

Ravensbourne student and illustrator Mischa Dungo undertook a project to visually explore the fashion evolution of RAYE, the English pop and R&B singer-songwriter. Illustrations focused on RAYE's career narrative, highlighting her journey as a rising star who boldly challenged her record label for artistic independence, ultimately establishing herself as a successful independent artist. Dungo found inspiration in how RAYE's path to fame influenced her personal style. To capture this, they created three illustrations depicting key moments in RAYE's career, showcasing her fashion growth over time.

The illustrations represent three distinct eras: her early career as an emerging singer, her pivotal departure from her former label, and her debut as an independent musician. Dungo selected one iconic outfit from each era, meticulously studying photographs of RAYE's wardrobe to authentically reflect her evolving style.

Raye - 2017

"I wanted the first illustration to reflect RAYE's early rise as a musician, so I chose the costume she wore at the Jinglebell Ball in 2017. Her outfit included a crop top, sweatpants, and an off-the-shoulder faux fur coat, all in a vibrant red with white highlights from her drawstring and shoes. Her hair is likewise fashioned in a high ponytail and is strawberry blonde." - Mischa Dungo

In 2017, singer RAYE’s style showcased a blend of athleisure influences and London streetwear culture, reflecting the popularity of tracksuits among young people in the UK at the time. Tracksuits were not only a national favorite but also part of a global fashion trend that year.

Her performance at the Jingle Bell Ball further highlighted the practicality of her outfit. Performing a track in the Dance/Electronic genre, her loose-fitting attire allowed for dynamic movement on stage, encouraging audience engagement through dance.The red and white color scheme of her outfit added a festive touch, aligning perfectly with the Christmas-themed event. This choice underscored her ability to tailor her style to suit the occasion while staying true to her fashion-forward sensibilities.

Raye - 2021

"I chose the clothing RAYE wore during the Might Hoopla Festival for my second illustration. The dress she wore at the time was highly inspired by Y2K fashion, a massive trend that emerged in 2021, as seen by the cropped striped shirt, denim miniskirt, and high-heeled boot fashion composition." - Mischa Dungo

In 2021, RAYE's style took on a vibrant and transformative edge, reflecting her personal and professional evolution. Departing from the monochromatic looks she favored in 2017, her attire in 2021 embraced a dynamic palette of colors that were thoughtfully coordinated, showcasing a bold yet cohesive aesthetic. This shift extended to her accessories, where she donned vibrant resin rings—a popular trend of the time—that added playful accents to her ensemble.

Her hairstyle also underwent a notable change, transitioning from the long, strawberry blonde waves of 2017 to a sleek black cut just below her jawline, signaling a more refined and confident image.

This stylistic evolution coincided with a pivotal moment in RAYE's career, as she parted ways with her previous label and prepared for her debut as an independent artist. Her fashion choices during this period seemed to echo her journey, symbolizing both her creative liberation and her readiness to define her path in life and music.

Raye - 2024

"I thought it fitting to base my third illustration on it. In celebration of her album release as an independent artist, RAYE performed "My 21st Century Blues" at the Royal Albert Hall with the Heritage Orchestra, rephrasing the title to 'My 21st Century Symphony' for the occasion. Her ensemble, which included a loose black silk pant and a white silk corset adorned with jewellery from Alighieri Jewellery, pieces that signify vulnerability, courage and strength, a representation of her journey as a person and musician."  Mischa Dungo

In 2024, RAYE's style exudes an air of modern elegance and refinement, blending contemporary trends with historical influences. A standout piece in her wardrobe is a white faux-fur, off-the-shoulder accessory, draped effortlessly over her outfit. This piece nods to her iconic red coat from 2017 but reinterprets it with a more sophisticated, regal touch, embodying the evolution of her style.

Her look draws heavily from regencycore fashion, a trend inspired by the resurgence of 19th-century aesthetics popularized by modern period dramas like Bridgerton. This influence is evident in her choice of intricate, feminine details that channel a sense of grandeur and timeless charm.

Adding to her transformed image, RAYE's newly dyed red hair is styled in soft, cascading curls, further amplifying the elegance of her attire. Her ensemble, rendered in a monochromatic black-and-white palette, underscores a sense of formality and poise. This minimalistic approach not only suits the elevated setting and her collaborators but also reflects her artistic and personal growth, marking a new chapter in her career.

Misha Dungo explored RAYE's fashion journey through a creative project, selecting outfits that not only contrasted with one another but also highlighted the artist's growth over time. This process enhanced Dungo's research skills, enabling them to develop alternative approaches for illustrating RAYE’s style. By incorporating key elements of RAYE's outfits and ensuring the illustrations remained true to her recognizable image, Dungo skillfully balanced authenticity with artistic interpretation.

One challenge was selecting three ensembles that effectively represented RAYE's fashion evolution, as the time span of her progression is relatively shorter compared to that of a celebrity from the 1980s to today. Additionally, drawing intricate details, such as the lace on a corset or delicate jewelry in the third illustration, proved difficult. However, with disciplined time management, Dungo successfully completed three detailed illustrations that authentically captured RAYE's evolving sense of style.