Kabuki, James Kaliardos, and Diane Kendal are the makeup maestros that have launched trends and developed many of the techniques we try backstage at Fashion Weeks around the world, so it’s no surprise that MAC would look to them for a curated collection.
Though the three K’s of backstage beauty have worked their magic on behalf of the brand during Fashion Month every season, this marks the first time the company has collaborated with independent makeup artists. “[The three] have been a part of the MAC family for many years, keying our shows at fashion weeks around the globe and working on our various visual campaigns,” James Gager, creative director of MAC, told Women’s Wear Daily.
The only caveat is that the collection isn’t slated to hit shelves until January 2017. But this special collection will be worth the wait! The 50-piece collaboration will feature individual collections from each artist that reflect their personal approach to beauty. According to the trade, Kaliardos will offer a clean aesthetic filled with neutrals while Kendal captures the spring runways with bronzy lids and cheeks and a bold lip for balance. But none is as glamorous as Kabuki’s creations that include a vibrant blue cream shadow, classic red lip, and even a bronzer/blush compact to complete the look.“[They] gave me complete freedom with this collection and turned my wish list into reality,” Kabuki said.
And for fashion fans and editors alike, this is definitely a dream come true. I’ve watched them work their magic behind the scenes amidst the chaos, transforming exhausted models into magical creatures that captivate on the catwalk with such precision and creativity—all while still coloring inside the lines determined by the designers. So seeing these artists free hand their own version of beauty will certainly be a treat. Needless to say, I can’t wait to see more of the campaign pictures to get a closer look at their handiwork!