Cited as a reference in the art of tattooing, the American Kat Von D, whose real name is Katherine von Drachenberg, has gained a solid reputation in the world of cosmetics in just a few years.
While its eponymous brand with growing success has just been launched in France, its personality, far from the codified standards of the beauty industry, fascinates.
On social networks, his world and his commitments - his brand is one of the few entirely "vegan" - seduce a whole generation of beauty addicts in search of fantasy but also transparency. We met her.
Marieclaire.fr: You are a bit of UFO in the world of cosmetics. What is your perception of beauty, the one you want to convey?
Kat Von D: "For me, beauty can manifest in different ways, it is not only" aesthetic ". What I like about makeup, and my products in particular, is that they allow you to forge your own identity according to your affinities with makeup: I like creating original looks, but this is not everyone's case. Some prefer to stay in nude hues, others like to play with colors. It is important that everyone can express themselves as they wish, by wearing a lot or very little makeup. "
A beauty ritual of your own?
I always prepare myself for music. Punk, rock: it always sends heavy ... And it feels on my makeup! My musical influences inspire me a lot to create my looks, more or less crazy from one day to the next.
What are your limits in makeup?
I dare everything: electric blue on the eyes, very pink blush on the cheeks, a contouring marked for the more rock'n'roll side ... And of course a line of eyeliner accompanied by a red blood on the lips. It's still my trademark! (laughs). I always have them on me, to make alterations during the day.
Why did you ever decide to launch your makeup brand?
"It's been 10 years since I've had my makeup brand. I started because I did not recognize myself in the products available on the market: I wanted cosmetics that perfectly reflect my vegan lifestyle, that is to say, products not tested on animals , and more respectful of their well being. I have taken the plunge, and I am very proud to offer a completely cruelty-free range completely in line with my values. I hope people recognize themselves in what I propose.
Today in France, my brand is declined under 180 references thanks to which one can create hundreds of different looks from my eye shadow, my eyeliners, my lipsticks or my foundations . "
Today, do you think that the mention "cruelty-free" weighs in the act of purchase of beauty addicts?
"Of course. Vegan beauty products are in great demand. It's a market that counts today, people learn, know that there are alternatives to products tested on animals . And this is a real opportunity that the brand Kat Von D offers: make a beautiful beauty with a makeup without animal ingredients, and without compromising the welfare of animals.
How did you come to create a palette - the Better Together Ultimate Eye Collection - with Too Faced?
Jarrod Blandino and I have always wonderfully heard each other. He shares the same values as me, and has always supported me in my projects in recent years. When he offered me a collaboration for the Better Together Eye Collection, I could only say yes! We have common interests, and we want to convey one and the same message: makeup allows us to have fun, to create something unique for everyone.
Should we expect another collaboration of this type soon?
We are already planning to collaborate together again, because the Better Together Ultimate Eye Collection has been very well received by the public!
