The Urban Decay and Jean-Michel Basquiat collaboration proves makeup really is art
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art and aesthetic reigned supreme in the ’80s — his vibrant graffiti sprawled across lower Manhattan and changed the way we began to view street art and black artists’ contribution. His style was unique and bold, so it’s not especially surprising that Urban Decay has released a Basquiat-inpsired collection full of colorful palettes that honor his legacy.
We’re not surprised to learn that the limited-edition collection was actually proposed by Basquiat’s estate to Urban Decay with confidence that they would be able to capture the spirit of Jean-Michele. They are known for their command of bright and brilliant colors, and as we can see, they certainly did justice to his life and work.
The 12-piece Urban Decay x Jean-Michele Basquiat Collection will be available on April 20th.
The collection will pay homage to Basquiat by having his art represented on the packaging, product names based on his life and work, and his aesthetic reflected in the shades of the makeup itself.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRqqC2VD9Yl
We must admit that we are disappointed to see that there are no models of color being used in this campaign, as of yet. The central themes of Basquiat’s work had to do with race and the role of black people in society, so it feels like a glaring omission to not include black women as models in this campaign. We are hoping that as the release date for the collection nears that Urban Decay will release more campaign photos featuring women of color. We know that’s what Jean-Michele would want.
Now, let’s take a look at the collection!
Palettes
1Gold Griot Eyeshadow Palette, $39.
2Tenant Eyeshadow Palette, 39.
3Gallery Blush Palette, $34.
Lipstick
1Abstract
2Epigram
3Exhibition
Cosmetics’ Bags
1Gallery Cosmetic Bag, $18
21983 Cosmetic Bag, $20
3Untitled Cosmetic Bag, $30
24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $20 each.
1Post Punk
2Anatomy
3Vivid
Can’t decide what you want best? Get the whole UD x Jean-Michel Basquiat Vault for $165!
The packaging is unsurprisingly stunning!
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s aesthetic is perfect for a makeup collection, we’re actually surprised it took this long for one to happen! We’re so glad to see that it respects his memory and remains true to his style, and we can only hope that this means that even more people become familiar with Basquiat’s life and work!
Be ready come April 20th for a chance to pick up the Urban Decay x Jean-Michel Basquiat collection for yourself!
