Express Yourself With Valentino's New Makeup Line

Launching a new makeup line in a crowded and competitive market has always been a risky bet, even for fashion houses at the height of their success with projects that are consistent in their values, aesthetics quality, and with superstar makeup artists attached. Suffice it to say that before the recent success of Gucci Beauty, which did not start by putting a complete line on the market but is still building drop to drop, you have to go back a long way in time to find successful precedents. The launch of Marc Jacobs Beauty in 2013 comes to mind, as well as Tom Ford's line in 2011—market-tested with lipsticks only.

In Valentino's case, the association between Pierpaolo Piccioli's fashion, with his flamboyant color palette, and the idea of a makeup line is instinctive, "symbiotic" in the designer's words. Pat McGrath has long handled beauty for the brand's fashion shows, particularly couture. The links between fashion and beauty are not limited to small nuances and finishing touches; they elevate each other in their eternal, identical search for style.

As global ambassador, Piccioli has chosen Raoúl Alejandre, a Mexican makeup artist and photographer based in Los Angeles. Alejandre is popular online for his work with celebrities such as Halsey, Zendaya, and Willow Smith, as well as his understanding of the digital photoshoot. For Dazed, he created a makeup look entirely produced in Photoshop, a playfulness also present on his personal Instagram account.

His style is recognizable for its hyper graphic eyes—reminiscent of space creatures—the ultra-glam reinterpretations of Cleopatra's make-up, or the sculpted cheekbones and the elongated gaze with '70s inspired splashes of color. For an inside look at what's to come,  L'OFFICIEL spoke with the artist to better understand his genderless creative vision and Valentino's new makeup collection

L'OFFICIEL: How would you define your makeup style? What makes it recognizable?

RAOÙL ALEJANDRE: I love to experiment. There is nothing I haven't tried at least once, because makeup is an expression of individuality that allows us to show ourselves as we are. In this adventure with Valentino Beauty, I am more than ever able to express myself with unusual, geometric, genderless makeup.

LO: How are Valentino's fashion, and Pierpaolo Piccioli's work, a source of inspiration in your creations?

RA: Valentino's fashion has always been a dream for me. Ever since I was a boy and couldn't afford to buy it, I've always dreamed of its gorgeous dresses. I especially love color blocking; I believe it is a declaration of purpose, of uniqueness. In Valentino, fashion and makeup, colors are a real proclamation: red is romantic, pink is punk. The different combinations are a vehicle for the expression of personality.

LO: What is your favorite product?

RA: I find the Go Clutch a wonderful object; I love to carry it over the shoulder. Having to choose only one product, I would choose the Twin Liner, the pencil eyeliner with a double applicator, essential for drawing on faces as I did in the makeup campaign.

LO: I've read about your admiration for Serge Lutens, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Dalí, Siouxsie Sioux, and the influence that Old Hollywood glamor has had on your style. Are there other photographers, make-up artists, or artists who are a source of inspiration?

RA: I believe Pat McGrath is a model of inspiration, not only for her imagination and technical genius. As a member of the LGBT+ community, I have always been fascinated by her charisma and strength. It was her success that paved the way for many of us.