By Judy Carmack Bross
Donald Robertson speaking May 8 to the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum.
“What a treat to present Donald Robertson May 8, the Andy Warhol of Instagram,” Karen Peters, Program Chair for the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum and Event Co-Chair along with Blythe Lee and Maggie Morgan.
A special unveiling of fashion artist Donald Robertson’s custom collaboration on an artwork and auction item for a May 8 evening of cocktails and conversation is part of the chic merriment at the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum’s “Fashionably Undressed” May 8 at the Arts Club.
“Donald Robertson, or Drawbertson as he is better known on Instagram where he has more than 200,000 followers, is a prolific illustrator and pop artist whose work spans both industries and media. Whether he is painting walnuts or Birkins, you can always spot a piece of his art,” Peters said. “His work is so playful and fun and he was truly marvelous to highlight our collection for our invitation and auction.”
Choosing a potpourri of fashion from the Costume Council’s own collection, including Michael Jordan’s jersey, Robertson executed this one-of-a kind painting.
In 2012 he was described as a suburban dad with a compulsive drawing habit. Then an assistant set him up with an Instagram account @drawbertson, and his depictions of everyone from Anna Wintour to Ina Garten brought Beyoncé and so many others to his account. His Palm Beach gallery bears the name Drawbertson.
Sharing his career and experiences, Robertson will be in dialogue with designer Alesssandra Branca, an honorary co-chair with Kimberly Gieske Robertson. Blythe Lee, Maggie Morgan and Karen Peters serve as the event’s Co-Chairs and David Mordini is President of the Council.
Interior Designer and artist Alessandra Branca, who in 2020 launched her brand Casa Branca, a fabric, wallpaper, and furniture collection with a boutique in Palm Beach, an Atelier and Showroom in West Palm Beach, showrooms throughout the United States and United Kingdom and soon an outpost in Los Angeles, will be in conversation with Robertson.
Costume Council Program Chair Karen Peters and Costume Council Member Elda De La Rosa at the Costume Council’s “Glory of Galanos” event.
In 2017, Assouline, published Robertson’s large body of work,
including quotes from his loyal and high-profile fans. Donald: The Book, became a best-seller for Assouline. Robertson’s first major success was the launch of VivaGlam! for MAC Cosmetics in the 80s, an
up-and-coming brand at the time, which raised millions for the fight against AIDS.
He was creative director at several top magazines including Glamour, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan. His career in fashion ultimately
drew the attention of Estée Lauder Companies, prompting his beauty industry successes. Robertson has also collaborated with fashion designers in Ready-To-Wear collections which have included Giles Deacon, Jenna Lyons for J. Crew, Alice and Olivia, Veronica Beard, Mark Cross, and noted floral and fragrance creator Eric Buterbaugh.
Even Barbie has loved his work. He collaborated with Mattel, where he re-designed the Barbie Style Guide. Robertson loves executing art events such as his Cadillac pop-art installation at Miami Art Basel several years ago.
In March 2019, Donald Robertson was part of the curated artists that Culture Corps identified as important to create large scale art for the newly opened Hudson Yards in New York City.
.In June 2022, Donald partnered with Westwing Collection, a leading home and living company currently in 11 European countries to produce a line of dinnerware and textiles in his vibrant patterns.
David Mordini, Chair of the Costume Council.
In 2024, using his Instagram name Drawbertson, he launched the sequel to his first book titled Sofa King Great. Artist’s Circle patrons at the May 8 Costume Council Event will receive copies of the 400-page signed book or art.
Connie Barkley and Maggie M. Morgan, co-chair of the Robertson event.
Costume Committee’s Carolina Herrera Event with Co-Chairs Marit Bohbot, Courtney Hopkins, and Blythe Lee with Patricia Herrera Lansing (second from left). Blythe Lee serves as Co-Chair of Fashionably Undressed.”
For more information visit chicagohistory.org/robertson
