Live Fashion Illustration 101

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $50

Learn the unique art of live fashion illustration with Toronto-based illustrator Nessa Lilly, known for capturing the elegance and energy of fashion moments. Inspired by the Bata Shoe Museum’s new exhibition André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to bring fashion to life through quick, expressive sketches in 5 minutes or less. Nessa will guide participants through the dynamic process of live fashion illustration — a rare skill that blends speed, intuition, and artistry to capture style in motion to create original editorial style portraits.

    In this workshop you will:

  • Learn how professional illustrators capture movement, texture, and design in real time, creating a complete drawing in less than 5 minutes
  • Practice gesture and proportion techniques inspired by Perugia’s sculptural shoe forms
  • Gain insight into what it’s like to work as a live fashion illustrator at shows, events, and brand activations

No prior drawing experience is needed — just curiosity and creativity. This is a unique opportunity to learn a skill rarely taught in traditional art programs, while exploring the legacy of one of fashion’s most innovative designers.

Can’t make it? We’ll be hosting another workshop with Nessa on May 20.

ABOUT NESSA LILLY:

Nessa Lilly

Nessa Lilly is a Toronto-based fashion illustration studio led by Vanessa Lilly, whose career spans live fashion illustration, high-profile brand collaborations, and fine art fashion pieces. With a deep interest in fashion, Vanessa transitioned from a successful ten-year career in the industry to her illustration business, now working with prestigious clients such as Goop, Saks Fifth Avenue, Levi’s, and Bobbi Brown. Vanessa’s fine art underscores her versatile and artistic vision. Through her work, Vanessa continues to blend artistry and fashion, creating pieces that resonate with elegance.

Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.

Fuzzy Slipper Making

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $200

Guided by designer and educator Jennifer Allison, you’ll learn the foundations of footwear construction while crafting your own pair of fuzzy slippers — perfect for unwinding in style or adding a handmade statement piece to your wardrobe.

Working with plush faux furs, memory foam insoles, and durable rubber outsoles, you’ll cut, assemble, and finish your slippers with both comfort and design in mind. Strap placement will be tailored directly on your feet, ensuring a fit that feels as good as it looks. With two upper design options and a curated selection of colours and prints, you’ll create a pair that reflects your unique style!

No prior experience is required — all tools and materials are provided.

    Bring your creativity and curiosity, and you’ll leave with:

  • A finished pair of handmade fuzzy slippers
  • Foundational skills in footwear construction
  • The confidence to continue crafting at home

This workshop is recommended for 18+. Registration for this workshop ends on April 19 at 11:55pm EST

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

ABOUT JENNIFER ALLISON:

Jennifer Allison

Jennifer Allison is a designer, curator, and educator with over 15 years of international experience in fashion, footwear, and fine art.

She has led design teams for companies such as Pour La Victoire in New York and ALDO Group in Montreal, before founding the Art and Sole Academy—Canada’s first full-time shoemaking school.

Today, as Director and Curator of the WKP Kennedy Gallery, she curates exhibitions, mentors emerging artists, and develops inclusive cultural programming.

Expanding on this dedication to creativity and craft, Jennifer is in the midst of launching her newest venture, SELF MADE—a DIY lifestyle brand that empowers makers to slow down, make time for themselves, and ultimately make their own statement.

Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.

Late Night at the BSM: Button Making

Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with General Admission

Unwind after hours at the Bata Shoe Museum with a relaxed evening of creativity. The museum will stay open late, inviting you to be inspired by the current exhibits and explore self-expression through button making — a simple, hands-on craft inspired by the shapes, colours, and textures found in the museum’s footwear collection.

Design and create your own wearable art using collage, drawings, or found imagery. No experience needed and ll materials are provided — just drop in, get inspired, and take home a piece of your own design.

Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.