Kat Von D is much more than a prolific tattoo artist – the 33-year-old is also a musician, former star of the TLC reality TV series LA Ink and clothing designer, with a massive social-media following. She paid a visit to the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai on Tuesday, ahead of next week's launch of her eponymous make-up range in the region's Sephora stores. The make-up is just what Von D wanted: long-wearing, highly-pigmented and offering bold colour. It's also been a best-seller since launching in the United States in 2008.
Welcome to Dubai. What are your first impressions?
Thank you. Well, it’s my first time in Dubai and the Middle East, and as for first impressions, I don’t really have any yet. It’s really hard to say as I’ve just been in and out of hotels so far. Next time I come, I’ll schedule some downtime and make sure I see the sights. Dubai is very cool, it’s really impressive. I’m keen to see the older sites of the city, too. I’ve heard there’s a great fabric and textiles district, so I’d love to go there.
Who are you targeting with this range?
There’s not really a specific demographic. I just want to supply people with tools to express themselves, in whatever form they want to. In the US, the spectrum of appeal has been huge – from teens to 80-year-olds. That’s pretty awesome, as that was my initial goal. Limiting the fan base to people who look or dress like me was not the message. People are ready for something different and if I’d launched a green lipstick, even five years ago, I feel it would have been perceived as a joke.
Which products might particularly suit ladies in the region?
I must say that I truly admire the style and aesthetic here, which is the unapologetically “bold eye”. I love the look and I’m jealous of it. I wish I had it, even semi-naturally, but instead I have to use my contour palette and eyeliner to create it. So, in terms of what might appeal – and it would be my staple if I was stuck on a desert island, by the way – it’s my tattoo eyeliner. The component is amazing – the brush has more than 300 individual bristles, meaning it distributes evenly, gives you full control and total precision. It dries to a beautiful effect, is transfer-resistant and it’s black as hell.
Make-up that wears well in the heat can be a challenge; what’s your advice?
Yeah, it’s so hot out there, you don’t want a caked face. I’ve developed foundations and powders that are long-wearing, so that ladies won’t need to constantly reapply or retouch. The lock-it foundation is pretty bulletproof and gives full coverage, but importantly it’s also very comfortable to wear.
How much creative control do you have over your brand?
A hundred per cent. I micromanage everything. It’s not a licensing deal where I’ve slapped my name on something and will reap the benefits. I eat, sleep, dream this stuff. I come up with everything, from the themes of the collections, art layout, graphics, shade ranges, all the names – all of it. I also test everything. It’s a lot of work but it makes me happy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
You say that you’ve “lost count of your tattoos”. Any new ones planned?
Well, I think it’s a bit weird to tattoo my own name, as I’m not likely to forget it. However, I’ve just redrawn the KVD monogram and it might be nice to celebrate the new make-up line. Especially, now that we’re officially becoming global.
How about something in Arabic to mark the global launch?
Actually, I’m a huge fan of lettering and one thing I love about Arabic lettering is that no matter how it’s edited – in computers that allow the tattoo to be drawn – it always retains its calligraphic element. It’s so beautiful.
What’s the most unusual request that you’ve had as a tattoo artist?
I’m so desensitised now. I’ve done everything from portraits of Willy Wonka to countless celebrities. Musicians, too, and Morrissey would be one of the most popular. Nothing really shocks me anymore.
Make-up off, relaxing on a rare day off, what might we find Kat Von D doing?
People might be surprised to learn that I’m a book nerd. I like to stay indoors and I’m not a crazy party animal. I’ve been sober for eight years now and I’m a vegan. I don’t even own a television. Instead, I have a lot of instruments at home and I’m constantly making music or drawing and making art.
•To see Kat Von D’s range of make-up, visit www.sephora.com/kat-von-d
rduane@thenational.ae
