Joel Resnicoff

He studied art at the University of Miami for one year, and then transferred to Parsons School of Design in Greenwich Village, New York City.

In addition to artwork that appeared on apparel and accessories, he created and illustrated a series of postcards and greeting cards, called ResniCards, that gently poked fun at New York City, its residents, and its tourists.

As one reviewer put it, his cards featured "pachiderm-sized dames in tacky-wacky get-ups...shattering la mode"[12] He could poke fun at New York and New Yorkers because his love for both the city and its city-dwellers was well known.

[7] He was also featured as an illustrator in major campaigns for national and international chains and brands, such as Macy's, Charles Jourdan, Intercoiffure, and Fong Leng International; independent stores and smaller "boutique" chains, such as Mr. Jay, Armadillo, and the designer boutique Riding High; and designers, including Regina Kravitz, Calvin Klein and Yves St. Laurent.

[1] Resnicoff's work always reflected his own unique style, but they also often brought to mind images from "fine art" or literature, such as in his well-known illustration for hosiery that "directly referenced the film poster, Six Girls Seeking Shelter, by Vladimir and Georgi Stenberg.

"[5] Samples of Resnicoff's work that appeared in the magazine, Hit Parade, are on file as part of the New York Public Library Collection.

Using an unusual approach, the company commissioned Resnicoff to paint a series of "oversize summery murals," which Esprit then used as a basis for its "sassy...bold, and colorful" fabric designs.

Resnicoff's work had balloony, cartoony echoes of Roy Lichtenstein and perspective-bending elements of Picasso, and certainly the impromptu feel of Keith Haring....

Resnicoff in 1980
Resnicoff shirt for Espirit
Resnicoff mannequin