Illamasqua's 2nd Birthday and Halloween Special!

Saturday 30th October saw a multitude of celebrations across Illamasqua counters in the UK, Australia and Dubai!

Not only did we have the perfect excuse to dress up for Halloween, but many of us from HQ came along to work side by side with the artists on the counters!

This write up is about the activity at the Flagship store at 20 Beak Street, as that is where I happened to be, along with Rosa [PR and Press Manager], Halimah [New Product Development Assistant] and Jonathan [Retail Operations Manager]. Emily, Daniel, Amanda, Sally and Ian were the professionals on the day and we had such a great time, as you can see in the pics below!

Everyone had interpreted Halloween differently and the teams' make-up spread along the spectrum from beautifully colourful [Amanda], technically astonishing [Daniel and Emily], darkly gothic [Ian and Rosa], Tim Burton-esque [Halimah]

and glam vampire [me!]

We also had Mika pop in to create his look [wearing a hat created by Alex Box!] which is ... well, I didn't get to ask him about his inspiration, but I will include it in the write up about Selfridges activity next week.

We were delighted and honoured to have Viktoria Modesta, the wonderful singer, come to the store to perform some tracks for us throughout the day that really got the crowds in; a short video will be available on Youtube towards the end of the week with the highlights from her performance and the make-up on show, including a quick demonstration from make-up artist Amanda on the versatility of Pure Pigments...

Viktoria wasn't the only Illamasqua evangelist to grace the glitter floors of the Flagship store; Jodie Harsh and her entourage including the world renowned model Polly Fey came along - Polly even allowed me to create her look for the night, as you can see below!

The Circus founder Jodie had her make-up done by Halimah, who created a sparkling look for the Drag artist's performance later on in Cambridge.

We also had the stunning Munroe Bergdorf pop along before her night at The Green in Islington, and the likes of Alice Cooper, Jessica Jane Clements and Lee Stafford popped in for some inspiration for Halloween!

I will be writing about the antics of the other counters later in the week... stay tuned! And for more images, join the Illamasqua Face book page...

 

Theatrical times for Illamasqua and The Featherstonehaughs

Illamasqua are very proud and excited to have the opportunity of supporting the fantastic ‘Featherstonehaughs’ in their Debut show 'Edits' and 'The Featherstonehaughs Draw on the Sketchbooks of Egon Schiele'.

In London this November, the all male dance company are practising and preparing for what is promising to be a spectacular show.


“The Featherstonehaughs are Green Velvet, Spot, Magenta, Canary, Lurex and Hydrangea – each with an iconic costume, wig and distinct personality.” Sam McAuley, Featherstonehaughs


The theatrical heritage of Illamasqua provided the ideal collaboration with the Featherstonehaughs and we are all eager to see the results - stay tuned for a post about the show next week...

To find the ‘Featherstonehaughs’ and when their tour will be arriving at a theatre near you, visit http://www.theplace.org.uk/  or call 020 7121 1100…

02 - 04 November, Village Underground, Shoreditch, London for Edits - Limited capacity, book your tickets now!

06, 08-10 November, Robin Howard Dance Theatre, The Place
ALL TICKETS FOR LONDON FROM THE PLACE

http://www.theplace.org.uk/
http://www.thecholmondeleys.org/

Illamasqua Is Turning 2!

Illamasqua have laid on a superb selection of events to celebrate our 2nd Birthday this Saturday 30th October! With celebrations across the country, there’s lots to be inspired by … and the fabulous bit … you’re all invited!

With our emphasis on the mysterious alter-ego, the celebrations marry perfectly with the festivities of Halloween this weekend. Wherever you plan to party into Halloween this Saturday, make an appointment with your local counter or the Illamasqua store in Beak Street, Soho to have your alter-ego revealed and your Halloween transformed.


The Illamasqua Make-Up Artists are all excited to experiment with some devilish and eerie transformations, so come prepared with a look in mind or let them go wild and create your very own bespoke Halloween creature. It’s the perfect opportunity to trial those products you’ve been lusting after from the weird and wonderful Art of Darkness collection.

Illamasqua’s flagship store in London’s Beak Street will be host to a live performance from the fabulous Viktoria Modesta, exclusively in the store to entertain and inspire you….

The theatre continues with live Make-Up tutorials from our expert artists of how to create that iconic Illamasqua look, such as the Master of the Night and Mistress of the Night looks.

http://www.youtube.com/illamasqua#p/a/u/2/RgIDSCr2RGs

http://www.youtube.com/illamasqua#p/a/u/1/vjvXQZsmvag

As a little teaser, some well-known guests may also be in attendance to celebrate Illamasqua’s 2nd Birthday, but in true Illamasqua style, we’ll let your imaginations play and run wild with that! We wouldn’t want to spoil the fun…


If the activity in Beak Street hasn’t teased and tempted you yet, then our regional counters have also been busy party planning. Illamasqua’s Selfridges, Debenhams and Fenwick counters are gearing up to celebrate in a spectacular way with Burlesque dancers and performers gracing the counters ready to play trick, treat and tease with those that dare…


With Halloween creations and birthday celebrations, cupcakes and champagne on offer – the Illamasqua birthday party is one you’ll certainly want to RSVP too!


Spaces are filling fast as everyone turns to Illamasqua to create their Halloween transformation, be sure to book your alter-ego in soon!

There’s lots happening Down-Under!

It’s all happening in Australia this week with three new counter launches, the team have been preparing for what is to be Illamasqua’s busiest launch yet!! With an amazing and diverse team of Make-Up Artists across all three new counters they are sure to be inundated with customers eager to learn how to reveal their alter egos...

Illamasqua’s International Trainer Daniel was flown to Australia exclusively to provide training for the Make-Up Artists of the new counters. This Monday saw the opening of the Illamasqua counter in Myer’s Bondi Junction store to great success with the team already excited at the interest it has caused…

"The residents of Bondi love their Make-Up. Illamasqua is so very different to anything else around that they are thrilled by our colourful range and are excited that we give professional make up lessons." - Daniel, International Trainer.

Today, the brand new Myer store in Robina Town Centre on Australia’s Gold Cost opens its doors exclusively for a VIP Preview. Tomorrow (28th) the world-class shopping mall will welcome in the public for the first time, with Illamasqua’s counter perfectly positioned…

“Our counter has prime-site position at the main entrance to the $multi-million cosmetics hall. It is large, spacious and has real presence when you enter the store. I am so excited to see the reactions of customers who have never before had access to such a bold and truly professional make up brand.” – Amanda Turner, Counter Manager


The Art of Darkness collection and its mysterious themes and emphasis on the alter-ego are devilishly fitting as Halloween approaches, introducing new customers to the brands identity in true Illamasqua style.

 

And finally, almost 2 years to the date since Illamasqua first launched, the final Australian counter is to open in Myer’s Brisbane City on 31st October. A Halloween launch has to be auspicious for Illamasqua!

The best way to experience Illamasqua is to book in for a 45 minute professional Make-Up Lesson with one of our professional artists who will help you to create and define the perfect look for you – no one else – you. The lesson is recorded on a CD for you to take home and use to practice with – a fabulously useful tool. Make-Up lessons are $70 which is fully redeemable against Illamasqua purchases on the day.


To make an appointment at any of our counters call 1800 661 210.

Trick Or Treat in New York City...

Halloween is always huge in America, and this year Illamasqua's Brand Ambassador Kim is spreading the spookiness across New York. In the lead up to Halloween, Kim will be creating alter egos tailored to your character. Check out the transformation she made into the ‘Frankenfurter’ from the Rocky Horror Show…

Customers can come in and get there makeup done by securing a $50 gift card redeemable in products after their transformation.

To have your Halloween look created and your alter-ego revealed head down to one of the following events to meet Kim.

Today, she is working in the Sephora Soho store at the infamous ‘Halloween Week’, with a focus on looks including the Art of Darkness Lashes, Liquid Metal Palettes and Lipstick in ‘Pristine’.

Kim will be at 5 Times Square tomorrow (27th October) and at 86th and Lexington on Friday [28th October.]

With the Halloween mini Event on Friday 29th October at 711 Lexington, Kim is focussing on the Liquid Metal Palettes, Precision Inks and Lashes, Lashes, Lashes!

To wind up her week, Kim will prepare you to master those masks and unveil your dark side in time for Halloween at the Times Square Special on 30th October.

What Comes Between Models And Their Calvins? Illamasqua!

A bit of Monday morning cheer from Illamasqua!

Our National Make-up Artist Adam had a great time polishing up the promotional models for Calvin Klein's latest range of boxers in Selfridges London last week. Inspired by X Elements, the new line of underwear, is available as briefs, low rise trunks, or boxer briefs, and comes in colors that represent the four elements: air, earth, fire and water. 

The Beauty Party at the Barbican

Last night, a few members of Illamasqua HQ went down along to the Beauty Party at the Barbican as part of their 30 Years of Japanese Fashion exhibition. If you have ever admired or been inspired by the work of Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake or Junya Watanabe then make your way down to this beautifully curated exhibition that is on until 6th February 2011 [2 for 1 tickets on Mondays!]

Alex Box [heavily influenced by Japanese art and culture throughout her career] created make-up to music [a new trend?] by the ever poetic Malcolm Pate, with a stunning Marie Antoinette-meets-Geisha look that had the cameras flashing!

Meanwhile, back in the exhibition Illamasqua make-up artists Peter and Lucie set up the Illamasqua station to offer guests a makeover with their glass of wine. It was extremely popular, and the crowds quickly gathered to experience the professional products and interact with our enthusiastic make-up artists.

I thoroughly recommend the exhibition that documents the impact of Japanese fashion and culture on the industry, and I will definitely be along for another late night Thursday!

Lucy In Disguise Launch Party with Lily Allen

Yesterday saw the launch of Lucy in Disguise's [Lily Allen and her sister Sarah Owen's new vintage store in London's Covent Garden] stylist make-up and blow-dry bar. 

Claire - one of our fabulous make-up artists who only last month created a look for Erin O'Connor - went down to meet with Lily and Sarah and create their looks for the expectant press who had come to discuss the new hangout in the basement of Lucy in Disguise. 

After the press appointments, Lily Allen and her baby bump [congratulations, Lily!] headed home whilst the party started with the likes of Jaime Winstone supping on some gorgeous cocktails courtesy of the built-in Grey Goose bar [nice touch, ladies] and the Illamasqua team fighting over Ossie Clark jumpsuits!

Our make-up looks on offer were categorised by era: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s with the 70s definitely being the most popular! Claire worked her magic on a number of party guests who then headed to the Bumble and Bumble blow-dry bars and the Wah! Nails [who were of course using Illamasqua Nail Varnish as their brand of choice].

The concept is unique and the experience promises luxe, girlie heaven. The bar with it's ever-open bar, the relaxing sofas and amazing collection of vintage Vogue magazines create an aura of indulgence. 

Lucy In Disguise will be offering party packages for the full treatment of Illamasqua make-up lesson, hair done and nails did, rent an outfit for the night and get ready for the night ahead... right in the centre of London!

Claire created Lily's look with:

Satin Primer
Cream Foundation in 210
Loose Powder in 010
Bronzing Duo in 'Glint/ Burnish'

Powder Eye Shadow in 'Sex'
Powder Eye Shadow in 'Machine'
Medium Pencil in 'Sophie'
Pure Pigment in 'Android'

Tramp In Disguise

At Vauxhall Fashion Scout I met the talented Sini Moilanen from Tramp In Disguise. I was immediately drawn in by this printed dress. Beautiful colours and almost like a kaleidoscope. The inspiration was the volcanoes - every aspect from the explosion, the dust cloud and the craters. The collection was a mix of printed silks and embellished knits.

I emailed Sini after VFS and asked her a few questions. She responded but I waited to write the post to go with the professional photographs she had taken recently. Worth the wait they look amazing. My favorites are the dress and the jumpsuit above - but they photograph really well!What is the starting point for your collection?
The new S/S011 Volcano collection is based on the fiery beauty of volcanic eruptions occurring all around our globe. An old tale tells that eruptions were caused by Pele, the beautiful but tempestuous Goddess of Volcanoes, during her frequent moments of anger. She could cause earthquakes by stamping her feet and volcanic eruptions by digging the ground with her magic stick. The Volcano collection is designed for the urban goddess of today, to show the fire and the magic she embodies.What is your studio space like?
At the moment I am working from home and I have got sewing help elsewhere. I am looking to share a studio with another designer in Brixton. Hopefully we will get that early next year.What is your favorite piece?
I have several favourite pieces, It is hard to say which is my favourite, because I have a few. I love the knitwear pieces and I like the prints, my favourite print piece probably is smoke trousers.

What can we look out for in the next collection?
The next collection is still a secret, but you can expect more printed garments and experimental knitwear. Well I have to say I am intrigued to see what comes next. But I do really like the print in this collection.

Enjoy
Fashion Fantasist xx

Illamasqua's Brand Film

Everytime anyone joins the Illamasqua family, one of the first things we do is to show them our Brand Film; a ten minute film that details the idea behind the brand, the inspiration from sub cultures, the heritage of Kryolan, the history of make-up, the story of S.O.P.H.I.E and why we dare to be different.


This visual montage says more about who we are and what we represent than any amount of words could do. 


Unfortunately, we could never show it to you due to certain copyrights, so we took the opportunity to re-tell it using our muse, Vicky McLure - an actress from the critical and commercial success that is 'This Is England '86' - as narrator. 

If you have ever wanted to know the real story of Illamasqua and unravel the multi-layered tapestry of our history, heritage and inspiration, here it is ...

Kelly Cutrone Takes Soho By Storm!

Yesterday afternoon, the Illamasqua team welcomed the infamous Kelly Cutrone of New York's hottest PR agency Peoples Revolution into the new flagship store at Beak Street, London W1. Kelly flew in to London especially to greet her fans and sign copies of her memoir ‘If you have to cry go outside [and other things your mother never told you]’.


The crowds began forming at lunchtime with everyone wanting the chance to meet and speak with Kelly and by 5pm the queue had stretched around the shop and half way down Soho!

After a press call that included top end magazines, bloggers and a lucky Youtuber, we opened the doors.

Staff from local businesses, budding entrepreneurs, fellow PR gurus, fans of The Hills, The City and Kelly's own Kell On Earth were amongst the crowd assembled to be welcomed in to have their books signed.

She also spoke about her appreciation for Illamasqua and her respect for the S.O.P.H.I.E charity. The profits from every book purchased were donated to the charity, with the books selling out within ten minutes and a scramble from the Illamasqua team to provide fans with posters to get signed in their place. Sylvia Lancaster also got to meet Kelly (below).

The event was a fantastic success, with many happy fans walking away with signed copies of her book and pictures of them with their idol! Thanks to everyone who came along and we promise to let you know next time Kelly is in town!