The Sea of Fertility.

Mint and Strawberry...

2013-05-21T00:57:00.000+02:00

In the amazingly hot weather,

I combined the mint and strawberry colors together.

The color palette looked like ice cream fruit flavor,

it made me feel cooler and so much happier!

Dress by Handmade

Belt by Kenzo Vintage

Mulberry small willow Tote

Jil Sander Sandal heels

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Afternoon at Art Museum.

2013-05-18T14:20:00.000+02:00

Afternoon at Hamburgerbahnhof Museum. Spending time in museum is always one of my favorite things , to watch and learn something in a peaceful and bright place, with much obsessions.

Trench coat by Comme des Garcons

Jumper by Jil Sander

Skirt by Hugo Boss

Flats by Melvin &Hamilton

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Cherry blossom rain.

2013-05-14T18:06:00.001+02:00

When the cherry blossoms starts to fall more and more, the summer is coming to this city.Originally I planned to take pictured among the cherry blossom trees, I was standing under those cherry blossom trees and enjoying this beautiful scene, the rain drops started to fall down on me heavily, soaking my hair which i just washed at home. This rain became too heavy to carry out my plan, so we had to take pictures with the umbrella in the rain.

Well, I think the unexpected things always happen in our life. But there will be some surprises as well!

Sailor top by COS

Skirt from 50s Vintage

Umbrella by Marc Cain

Flats by Melvin & Hamilton

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Happy Mother's day.

2013-05-12T12:44:00.000+02:00

For my dear mother.

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Jump!

2013-05-11T14:08:00.000+02:00

Esprit event “The castle of the heart” has finished yesterday. I was totally surprised to receive so many beautiful and creative traveling looks from my lovely readers, it was too difficult to choose only 2 looks ,seriously! In the end I picked two of my favorite journal looks: one is "Mother and daughter under the cherry blossom tree",the other one is "Dusk Girl". Both of them are so emotional and full of their unique characters. I will finish the drawings passionately and issue them at the beginning of June as 2 portrait sketches of my project” Draw me Nancy” . Thank you everyone!

Ps: Hopefully “Draw me Nancy” could start again globally so that everyone could join it properly wherever you are!

Scarf by COS

Top and shorts by Esprit

Shoes by Jil Sander

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Picasso.

2013-05-07T23:29:00.002+02:00

"For me painting is a dramatic action in the course of which reality finds itself split apart."

- by Pablo Picasso

Actually the first work of Picasso I had read was his sketchy line works when I was a little kid. This look was inspired by his sketchy works as well, his line work. I just imagine myself is a pure white clay vase with his lovely painting. It was funny the wall's texture also look like a big piece of canvas painting, such a interesting combination!

The inspiration of art comes from reality, but art itself separates from reality. It means creativity is a kind of expression from people's mind literally. Keep a sensitive heart to observe the reality, many detail could be a beautiful art.

Top by Jil Sander

Pants by COS

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Face, 1953

Woman Lamp (Lampe Femme), 1955

Nude Woman in a Red Armchair (1932)

Pablo Picasso, Marie-Thérèse, Face and Profile (Marie-Thérèse, face et profil),Paris, 1931

The castle in the heart.

2013-05-03T14:43:00.001+02:00

I was invited by Esprit China, and I am about to start a very interesting interactive event which is called “ The castle in the heart”, you could post your pictures travelling in metropolises, with the tags of #ESPRIT the City of the Heart# ， #Draw me Nancy# and @ESPRIT中国 before May 10th. In the end I will pick 2 readers whose the looks I love the most, to draw as a fashion quick portraits and put them into my “Draw me Nancy” project.

Very interesting, isn’t it? Then please show the most interesting and fashionable look of you to me! Don’hesitate!

Jeans and Top by Esprit

Silk outwear by Henrik Vibskov

Black haired woman and white tulips.

2013-05-01T00:24:00.000+02:00

Actually the inspiration of this white outfit came from a painting I finished recently which is named" Blonde boy and white peony". Well I don't have blonde hair or white peony, but I have white sailor top and white tulip. Then the title becomes " Black haired woman and white tulips". Both of these two sets express the same feeling: A kind of vague, gentle, lovely atmosphere.

Top by Comme des Garcons

Skirt by Hugo Boss

Heels by Manolo Blahnik

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Like a school girl!

2013-04-28T13:37:00.000+02:00

Since this warm spring came to Berlin, I was happy like a kid most of the time (dressing like a child as well…), everyday I have to go outside to enjoy this beautiful sunshine until my skin get so much sun tan, although my schedule is very intense. Anything looks so poetic with these green and blossom.

Esprit and me will present a very interesting interactive event with you guys. There will be a surprise then～

Denim dress by Esprit

Tops by Romeo Gigli

Tight by A.P.C

Flats by Topshop

Photography by Dean.B

Illustration by Nancy.Z

A Fresh Haircut.

2013-04-24T14:00:00.000+02:00

As you know, I had a new haircut. It looks so much maturer than before. Actually I don't want to always be girly or sweet, women should have the perfect style for their right age. A simple, delicate, casual and chic outfit is definitely my favorite during daily life. Having a unique style and real confidence helps us become prettier and prettier!

Scarf from antique clothing

Furla mini candy bag

Tops by Topshop

Jeans by LEE

Flats by Melvin and HAMLITON

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

A dream of Spring night.

2013-04-22T12:51:00.003+02:00

This is a dreamy world of mid spring night. Since I have been working on this drawing for a while, I started to explore more possibility for myself, to find different topics, different styles, different elements to challenge myself. And I am really obsessed with the worlds I tried to build. Nothing could make you feel happier but to finish your art.

I wish everyone has a dreamy spring time.

Illustration by Nancy.Z

All black for a cloudy day.

2013-04-17T22:34:00.000+02:00

This set was taken during the ice cold weather 2 weeks ago. Many friends said I dress black constantly last winter. "But dark color suits winter."I said,"Especially there's no color really during the gloomy weather in the big city. Black is coolest one for the cloudy winter, also the perfect one for the snowy weather. I like Black, but more in winter."

Since warm spring finally came to Berlin, it is time to dress in something colorful again!

Black Jacket by Chanel

Black leather shirt by Loewe

Boots by Topshop

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Blonde boy and white Peony.

2013-04-13T14:46:00.000+02:00

Once I considered about a pure, neat portrait theme like this : A blonde boy in 20s white deco like sailor uniform is holding a bouquet of white peonies amongst the white background. Without any big contrast, everything looks gentle and vague.

Then I finished it. After I drew many of colorful works, it feels fresh to paint something pure and clean.

Have a nice weekend!

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Transparent white inspirations.

2013-04-10T14:36:00.000+02:00

To dress elegantly with different layers of transparent white colors was a new theme for me, it was very fun during the process. Usually I draw this fashion illustration in my blog for fun and to train myself from the daily intense working schedule, this project is becoming a special subject to encourage myself to try different topics, inspirations and styles. It is an attempt at true self expression.

Originally I planned to take theme in a full snowy scene, then I could totally "fade"into the snow, but it was too late to do that :p. Finally, the spring is coming to Berlin!

Hoody dress by Comme des Garcons

Inner dress by Topshop

Necklace by COS

Heels by FIN

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Endless Yearning.

2013-04-07T03:54:00.003+02:00

Unfortunately, I lost my original drawing of "Endless Yearning" that I had painted few years ago. Then I decided to recreate this drawing again for my art collection book. The great thing is I love the new version even more than the old one. The same topic, but with different type of style and emotion.

"Endless Yearing" is not only a name of ancient Chinese poem, but also a type of name of lyric form since thousand years ago. Usually it is like playing games or words, such as the beginning and the ending of the lyrics have to be the same melody for pronunciation. And of course, all of these type of lyrics about the yearning of couples separations.

This drawing wasn't inspired by any of them exactly, but I like the version from poet Li Bai the most. The way he described the surrounding and imagination was unbelievably poetic and romantic. This atmosphere of this poem influenced my drawing.

"...Insects hum of autumn by the gold brim of the well;

A thin frost glistens like little mirrors on my cold mat;

The high lantern flickers;

and. deeper grows my longing.

I lift the shade and,

with many a sigh,

gaze upon the moon,

Single as a flower,

centred from the clouds. "

Have a nice weekend.

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Endless snow.

2013-04-04T21:18:00.001+02:00

Maybe you are amazed by the snowy scene in mid-spring, it seems like the winter doesn't want to leave Europe. When sunshine couldn't give you warm feeling,the breeze is ice cold, people start to give up the expectations of a beautiful spring. Well sometimes we have this type of unexpected period, the only thing we could do is wait and nothing else. Anyway the tough period will go away sooner or later.

Kids are still very happy because of the snowy weather. Then this theme is called 'Be happy like a kid' , with a classic BW girly style. Yes sometimes I could be very childish, that will make myself think positively. Let's how the weather changes and fast, miss taking pictures in the sun and there are many projects to do.

Shirt by MarcCain

Dress by Comme des Garcons

Flats by Manolo Blahnik

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Kenzo Flower Wave - Mother is Love

2013-04-04T15:52:00.000+02:00

Before I made a post relating to the Kenzo Flower Wave , and now I make a second post on this to urge you once again to join this little movement that helps many single mothers. Do you give to charity? Or does the very word "Charity" scare you off? We it shouldnt at all, those of us that have warm and comfortable lives should help other, to elevate their state of living and as a woman I feel strongly that Women should support one another in one fashion or another.
My three words have to be I think " Mother is Love". Because most women even if with a partner dedicate themselves so much to the child, then imagine a single mother how much effort and care, patience and most of all yes.....Love....it takes to raise a child well.

Please check out the video, Like and Share it! Now this movement has spread all over the globe, with your help, this movement will grow.

Also you could follow the Click Here > Kenzo Flower Wave Facebook page to know more informations.

A chilling holiday.

2013-04-01T23:50:00.001+02:00

Perhaps it wasn't the first snowy Ester holiday for me, but it was definitely the most chilling Ester season ever. The surreal thing is that it keeps snowing as if the winter just came. I start to miss the colorful blossom season, I wish it could come to me as soon as possible, although the snowy scene looks also lovely.

Black, grey and white become my general outfit theme during this winter. Also I think the neutral style is suitable of my character the most.

Jacket by Issey Miyake Men

Top by The other stories

Pants by COS

Boots by Topshop

Necklace by Origami Jewellery

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Taketori Monogatari－The tale of the Bamboo Cutter.

2013-03-29T23:31:00.000+01:00

Somehow the stories about the moon are always related to the female in oriental cultures, such as Chang E fly to the moon with her rabbit in Chinese culture, the moon princess from "The tale of the bamboo cutter" in Japanese literatures. These stories inspired me to start a "Luna Project", the drawings of moon tales in Asia.

As the first tale in Japanese literature history, "The tale of the bamboo cutter" is about an old bamboo cutter found a mini baby inside of the bamboo, he and her wife adopted her, raise her. When she became a unbelievably beautiful young lady, Many suiters came to the bamboo cutter's family ask for marriage. But they all failed under the impossible task order from the lady. In the end, the Emperor came to ask for marriage, she refused as well. That summer, she told the old bamboo cutter couple the truth, she is the princess of the moon . She had to return home, it was time . In the end of the story, she said farewell to the old couple and fly back to the moon.

In the most of modified versions of this story, the background is based on Heian era. I think it is a perfect match. It is amazing to think about how many things the moon gives to us : a source of great inspiration and beauty, it works on our imaginations pulling the strings of ideas , drawing them out of us.

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Snow Crane-3

2013-03-27T20:59:00.000+01:00

Most of Cranes are settled in Asia, Africa and Australia. Especially Asian cranes are the well known kind, I do think it is because of the successful presentations from Asian traditions. Pine and Crane are two classic icons of immortal life, that is also why we always see these two elements together in most of textile art. There used to be a fairy tale in ancient Chinese books, it said the cranes have A thousand years of life normally have grey feathers cover all over the body, but the head's part is totally white. After two thousand years old, their feathers will turn to pure black color. They called them " Black crane". Well of course it is just a fairy tale, they are just different types of cranes in reality. Normally we call them"Hooded Crane". Unfortunately, the amount of this kind of crane are becoming extinct...

As the last episode of Snow crane series, the theme called"Black Crane". I wish they won't really become a fairy tale in the future.

Shirt by Issey Miyake

Black coat by Marc Jacobs

Belt by Marc Cain

Skirt by Jil Sander

Antique Obi clothing

Vintage bag with Buddhist poem texture

Heels by Topshop

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Photography by Kimimasa Mayama/EPA from The Guardian

Hooded Crane's Photo by David Roemer from Vickie Henderson Art

Snow Crane-2

2013-03-26T00:33:00.000+01:00

As I mentioned the last time, crane means a kind of eternal life in ancient cultures of East Asia. As a kind of oriental mystical fairy bird which has thousands of years life, ancient people usually believe that the fairy will ride them fly to heaven. Even as demon character in the fairy tales, the crane played the most respectful and innocent roles. It definitely shows crane's position in oriental aesthetics. Therefore, the crane related textiles are only supplied to royal families in ancient Asia is very reasonable to understand then.

The second post of "Snow Crane" series' inspirations comes from Heian period(794-1185), which had the most poetic and peaceful social atmosphere in the entire Japanese history.

It is also the period when Buddhism, Taoism and Tang dynasty cultures influences were at their highest. The Heian period is also considered the peak of the Japanese imperial court and noted for its art, especially poetry and literature. One of the very first long romantic literature " Genji Monogatari" was created in this era as well. Dressing many layers of kimonos is the Women's style of this era. Unfortunately I don't have many kimonos to put on, also I don't have that such a smooth long hair to float. Maybe it is a kind of new modern way to show? Anyway, I am just happy to try more interesting styles based on different cultures on the planet!

Shirt by Issey Miyake

Skirt by Chanel Vintage

Two vintage kimono layers

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Inspiration

Heian Period's Costume Style

Japanese classic novel"Genji Monogatari"

Heian painting style

"Genji Monogatari" by Yoshitaka Amano

Silk fukusa (gift cover) embroidered with a flight of cranes, Japan, 1800-50, Edo period.

collected by V&A museum.

Snow Crane.

2013-03-22T23:52:00.004+01:00

Once upon a time, there was a young man who saved an injured crane in the snowy forest. Afterwards one day a lady in white visited the young man's family and said she would love to marry him. She literally could do anything for his family but the only request was do not peep when she is weaving textiles. She could weave amazingly beautiful and luxury textiles, their life became better and better. But because of the greediness and curiousness of the young man and his friends, finally he broke the promise to snoop. He was shocked when he saw a crane was weaving in front of the loom by the wings. Actually the crane became a woman to take care of the young guy as gratitude for his kindness. But she had to leave because his disingenuous behavior. She fly alway and never come back afterwards.

"The gratitude of the crane" used to be one of the saddest fairy tale in my childhood memory. (The other one is "little mermaid"...) Was inspired by this traditional Japanese fairy tale, the theme of this time is called " Snow Crane". As a icon of oriental elegance, crane presents the arrogance, detached intelligence and eternal youth images in the Asian's stories.

Blouse by ISSEY MIYAKE

Dress by Dries Van Noten

Tights by Bebaroque

Heels by Manolo Blahnik

Antique embroidery crane Obi

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Inspirations

Crane and the fairy tale
(References pictures from Google/Yahoo)

The beginning of a dream.

2013-03-20T15:08:00.001+01:00

During Tokyo fashion week, Smart X Jeremy Scott special wing's car mode is displaying at Shibuya Hikarie from 17th to 23th. Also I visualized the lovely car's cooperation story as a manga story between Smart and Jeremy. It is a quite an interesting challenge for me. As you know usually I am not a big fan of technical products, but this winged car is such a unique and lovely piece. From this story, I did learn that any type of beautiful (unique) design needs to have so much passion, imagination and collaborations to be created.

Please click the article " The beginning of a dream" to get more details of Smart in Tokyo!

Comic by Nancy.Z

Blue Obsession.

2013-03-17T16:00:00.000+01:00

Recently I am obsessed with Blue very much. Generally following a trend is not really my thing, but actually blue like colors are suitable of my character the most. Recently I have been doing my projects so hard, blue colors could calm me and relax me from the intense schedule and sleepless pressure. Guess everyone has their own special colors to show the character perfectly. For me the meaningful colors are white, red and blue.

So, what is your favorite color recently?

Shirt by COS

Jumper by Topshop

Bag by Furla 2013FW

Pants from Vintage store

Necklace by Origami Jewelry

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean.B

Miss sunshine.

2013-03-15T00:37:00.000+01:00

Usually it is always cloudy and rainy in Berlin during winter time. Still remembered that one day I came into one of my favorite cafe after it redecorated, the sunshine just came when I took step into the room. The owner of this coffee shop joked I bring the sunshine here, that was so sweet! Especially my outfit was very"Blue" and the pattern of my skirt is clouds, instead of bringing clouds here, sunshine was with me, how funny! That will be great if I have this type of super power.

Hopefully this cold air in Europe could go away as soon as possible. Sunshine truly stay here for longer time.

Blouse by Ms Min

Skirt by Comme des Garcons

Tights by A.P.C

Scarf from Vintage store

Heels by Manolo Blahnik

Photography by Dean.B

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Inspirations
Japanese traditional fabric patterns-

natural elements and Kamon

Clouds pattern on Kimono