A Profile of Illamasqua's Director of Product Development and the School of Make-Up Art, David Horne!

As we continue to introduce you to the creatives behind Illamasqua, we bring you a profile of Illamasqua's Director of Product Development and the School of Make-Up Art, David Horne...

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty is a fleeting impulse, a synaptic response, an energy field, something which emits allure. It is transfixing and captivating and holds your gaze.

Why did you want to pursue a career in beauty and New Product Development? 

After being a make up artist for over 20 years, mainly specializing in catwalks, I wanted to understand the cosmetic business in more detail.  Return to my roots as a designer ,which I started all those years ago back at Art school in 1986. Attain a full 360 degree perspective of cosmetic design,  whereby a make up artist only ever attains 180 degrees of what make up is about via application.

How did you get your job at Illamasqua? 

Alex Box called me and asked me to join the merry band of creative oddities that is the wondrous Illamasqua. She asked me if I would come and play…in the true spirit of creativity I took the leap of faith and truly learn so much daily I have never looked back. The pace at Illamasqua is rocket speed and it is a company with a real ethos of scream if you want to go faster. I love that challenge but it is extremely hard work and is a lifestyle not a job.

What do you most enjoy about your role with Illamasqua?

 Bringing new Illamasqua products to life….letting them breathe…seeing the faces of the customers who buy the product at store makes the job satisfaction so rewarding.

What were the inspirations behind the School of Make-Up Art and the courses offered?

The School of Make Up Art is a creative hub, the epicenter of Product development and the bridge between the brand and the customer. It is vital to pilot new ideas and products at the school to really see if they work and if our customers like the directions we are taking. We do not test on animals but it is vital we test on students! The school fosters new ideas in teaching and education and brings skills to the forefront of all areas of make-up design. I was thrilled we got a mannequin painter to do a masterclass and showcase her attention to detail and artistry…these are skills being lost by photoshop overt use and are so vital to the core of being an outstanding make up artist. Both Alex Box and I really champion the need for craftsmanship and technical detail within make up artistry.

What does Illamasqua represent to you?

Illamasqua represents the possibility of cosmetic dreams – a place where a blue lipgloss can survive in a commercial world of bland colours. It is the first mark of creativity on a canvas and represents the possibility of self expression and freedom of artistic integrity.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

To me happiness is knowledge. With knowledge all is possible. The quest for knowledge will be my legacy.

Which living person do you most admire?

Karl Lagerfeld. He is highly humerous and talented with just the right amount of oddity and panache.

What is your greatest extravagance? 

I live in the West end of London. I have always loved busy spaces and the pace keeps you alive. I deplore wasting time travelling when you can be doing more constructive things.

Which talent would you most like to have? 

The superpower to become invisible upon demand how mischievous could that be!

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? 

I would come back as a magpie – I have a distinct obsession with shiny sparkly things and especially black sparkly things.

What is your most treasured possession? 

My friendship with Chinyee Chu who is the School of Make Up Art Manager. Also a black jet raven pendant.

What is your motto? 

Life is for education, learn how to live and live to learn.