MATCH OF THE DAY

Deanna First

December 15, 2022

NYC-based fashion, beauty and lifestyle illustrator who has worked with iconic brands including Hermès, Valentino, Cipriani, Dior, Meta and Tiffany & Co.

WHY DO YOU LIKE AND COLLECT MATCHES?

I started creating custom matchbook art during the pandemic when my live events came to a halt and it sort of just took off from there! My parents would collect vintage matchbooks growing up so I've always loved the idea of having something tangible to remember my favorite restaurants and spots after visiting.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONES AND WHY?

I love @thejanehotel matchbook. I celebrated my birthday at this gorgeous West Village spot when I first moved to NYC from Ohio back in 2012. I met Marc Jacobs on the street and slipped him my business card that same night in hopes my artwork would catch his attention. I'm still manifesting working together, but for now I will hold onto those memories :)

WHEN AND HOW DO YOU LIKE TO ENJOY YOUR MATCHES?

I like to turn my matchbooks and client's favorite matchbooks into artwork and have them framed and displayed as centerpieces in homes. I have a piece I created of my favorite spots framed next to my home office/studio space. "Something paper" is the gift for a first year anniversary so I get a lot of custom orders where I create illustrated matchbooks from a couple's favorite date spot or even wedding venue.