Join us at La Jolie MLN boutique, Elmhurst, IL. Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 2:00-5:00pm to meet Sonya Fedele and her beautiful art. Click HERE for sneak peak of her artwork and for event details.

Sonya’s Story

An artist whose work speaks to women.

Sonya Fedele portrait — *Sonya Fedele - Artist*

For some kids, sports is the driving force of their growing up years. For others it’s video gaming or social media. For me, it was always art. I started sketching as a kid. It was truly a passion; I’d sketch other kids on the playground and hand them my sketches. Another love for me was fashion design. So, early on, I combined the two. I took classes in fashion design and began experimenting with looks.

We used a book called 9 Heads: A Guide To Drawing Fashion. Basically, you create your apparel designs on simple models called “Croqui.” It’s a basic figure on which you draw your illustrations. Ironically, it was my early foray into fashion that helped me find my path in the art world.

While I was studying how to create designs on the croqui figures, I took a trip to NYC to attend a show at The Met—a retrospective on my favorite designer, Alexander McQueen. It was his Savage Beauty Show—a post-mortem celebration of the iconic fashion designer’s work. It was at this show that I realized my true calling was art. The experience opened an emotional door. I got home and started my own artistic tribute to women; figures I call My Ladies.

My Ladies were my foray into fine art. I cut my teeth on group art shows like “Art in The Park” in Elmhurst where I grew up. You’d submit your art to a “Call For Artists” from galleries. Success meant getting a piece of art in a show and then scoring a sale. Around 2016, I got into street art as a sideline. This allowed me to test my skills with new media, like spray paint and chalk.

During this time, I lost my beloved dad to cancer. The loss, coupled with the pandemic shut-downs gave me time to regroup mentally and recommit to my first love…my Ladies. I threw myself into it and created a whole series of alien themed female forms. My collection grew, and I was able to create a line of greeting cards, framed portraits, a coffee table book and large wood art; female out-outs of My Ladies.

One day I wandered into La Jolie MLN, and I knew I had found a home for my art. I met with owner Daisy Malek-Shadid. Her store communicates women empowerment. The apparel, the accessories and the art pieces all have a look of originality.

Daisy has been gracious enough to allow me to do an art show at her store. Look for the email announcement coming soon. Come in and meet My Ladies. I think you’ll find kindred spirits.

Fedele Figures by Sonya

Click to view details

La Jolie MLN: ”It’s our mission to give young ladies the lessons all of you can share with us. So, let’s share our experiences, strength and stories.

I cordially invite you to join a cohort of empowered women. Please send your stories to Blog@lajolie-mln.com