My interest in visual arts began at nine years old, whilst a student at the iconic Sylvia Young Theatre School, specialising in dance and performance. I subsequently developed an interest in the human body and expressive movement through painting and drawing at college before discovering my passion for makeup. During a degree-level course in makeup design, fashion and editorial image at the University of the Arts London, I was particularly inspired by the uncomfortable beauty found in the work of photographers such as Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman. As a result, I embraced a similarly unconventional and diverse aesthetic within my work. 

Having graduated, I embarked on a career as a freelance sessional makeup artist, primarily working on editorial for magazines such as POP, DAZED, The Face, British Vogue and i-D. I have collaborated with photographers including Sean Thomas, Conor Cunningham, Gareth McConnell, and Johnny Dufort, and stylists such as Stephan Man, Benjamin Kirchhoff and Ib Kamara, who share my enthusiasm for youth culture, alternative style and creating powerful images with absolute integrity. 

My aim has consistently been to produce makeup looks within the fashion and beauty industry, which can converge commercial interests with carefully-researched art and cultural references. Consequently, I have delivered high-profile projects for clients including JW Anderson, Tommy Jeans, Adidas, MCQ, Fred Perry x Nicholas Daily and PEPSI. I have also collaborated on large-scale productions inspired by contemporary art at the New York Dia: Beacon. Furthermore, I have consulted for POP tours for the international artist, CHARLI XCX, relishing the chance to evolve eclectic looks for stage makeup which varied for each country across Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Whilst on tour further developed these designs for visual campaigns and artwork for the artist and notable collaborators, such as Christine and the Queens. Working with these musical talents has opened-up other exciting opportunities for me for fashion-based projects – for example, creating designs for the British Fashion Awards and working directly with RAVEN and Armani makeup.

Tel: +44 7876635395
Email: info@daniellekahlani.com