T-Shirt Reviews Blog

A Manga Fashion Maestro - Camilla d’Errico

Posted: 15 Dec 2009 06:22 AM PST

Camilla D’errico is a highly respected Canadian artist, an illustrator, a comic book visionary, painter, fashion designer, hey she’s even got her own Wikipedia page - she’s produced a graphic novel for Avril Lavigne, and perhaps her most famous creation (so far), her self-published comic art odyssey Tanpopo, which is based loosely upon the story of Faust, and I believe there is even a video game in the pipeline! Camilla d’Errico is what I’d call a true Renaissance Woman, with so many talented fingers in numerous creative pies, I think it’s about time that her t-shirt collection got a little more attention, seeing as everything else she’s produced has had worldwide attention, it makes sense to complete the set!

In all honesty there aren’t too many tees on offer right now, alongside a few sweatshirts there are plenty of other products available including comics, posters, cards and even handbags, but the few shirts that are on offer are well worth checking out. They feature some of her most iconic characters, and perhaps the most famous being her ‘helmet girls’ which are for all intensive purposes an elaboration on a Steam Punk theme, each sporting gargantuan headgear that would bring pangs of jealousy to the most outrageous fashion junkie. Who knows, perhaps Camilla will even produce a range of the craziest hats seen in since the Vikings. Still her particular flair for evocative Pop Surrealism are more than apparent in her current collection of shirts and sweats.

Her knack for illustration goes beyond the expectation of most mere mortals, uniquely blend elements of lithe and languid women reminiscent of the Pre-Raphaelites, if of course we were living in an alternate universe where this prestigious art movement had spawn from the mountains and shores of Japan, and a highly intricate Manga style which shines with the same effervescence from other masters (and mistresses) of the genre, particularly Jamie Hewlett’s, made famous by the band Gorillaz. In fact if Gorillaz had had an all-female line up you can bet your bottom dollar I’d be writing a very different review right now!

Expect a cornucopia of expression, tight detail, and quirky sense of fun and beauty that just doesn’t let up. So let’s take a look at what might be the finest collection of female tees we’ve featured at Buy Tees so far and meet the devastating hand/eye co-ordination of Camilla d’Errico!

Deer God’s Coma T-Shirt Dress

$Deer God\'s Coma T-Shirt Dress by Camilla d'Errico (Black)$

$Deer God's Coma T-Shirt Dress by Camilla d\'Errico (Purple)$

A glorious choice between a sumptuous purple/pink affair and a salubrious black/gold combo, this tee as does three other pieces in her winter collection, features what might be Camilla’s most iconic signature piece. I am not a great fan of Manga, however there are a few artists which have broken the mould when it comes to the Japanese slant on the comic art genre, and this image is more than well known to me. I have a memory for art, perhaps not the artist so much, but I am sure I have stumbled across Camilla’s work on many occasions over the past few years and have always been more than impressed. For some reason I assumed it was the work of a highly respected street artist, perhaps that was just wishful thinking. Although I’m sure you can agree her work can be as easily translated to the urban arts scene as it has to fashion. This glorious dress/top, Deer God’s Coma, is available in sizes XS to L for $55 here. There are other versions available including a purple hoodie, a reggae styled tee, and a more simple black and white illustrative version.

Tanpopo Tank Top

Another amazing offering, this time the Tanpopo Tank Top, currently only available for $25 in XS size due to its extreme popularity. This design is one of a few based upon Camilla’s famously Faustian character from her highly successful graphic novel exploring the story of a young girl who makes a pact with a devil. She is released from the machine that has been her only existence for the hope of finding happiness… you will need to buy an issue to learn the rest! If you can’t quite fit into this one there are plenty more Tanpopo tees and tops to choose from.

Tanpopo Men's Panel Tee by Camilla d'Errico

Here’s my own favourite Tanpopo tee, it comes in black and is printed in a particularly funky gradient, extremely neon, very sci-fi, just my cup of tea!

Tanpopo Gradient Tee by Camilla d'Errico

Finally I had to feature this one, it’s a fine example of extreme etherealism and sensual illustrative ability, the Venissen Lick Dress is available for $55 in Black sizes S to L.