To celebrate the release of their limited-edition collection, "STREET ESSENCE 'RMK x BRADLEY THEODORE'," cosmetics brand RMK kicked off a special event at The Stage on the first floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building. The event runs until February 23rd. On the 18th, fashion model Kozue Akimoto was invited as a guest for the opening event, where a special talk show featuring RMK Creative Director KAORI and Mitsukoshi Isetan's Sato Cosmetics Buyer was held, drawing a large crowd of fans. The STREET ESSENCE 'RMK x BRADLEY THEODORE' collection was born from the collaboration between Bradley Theodore, a cutting-edge New York artist who has gained attention for his skeletal art featuring fashion icons like Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld, and KAORI, who has helped women shine with makeup that brings out their individuality. The collaboration came about after KAORI was inspired by Theodore's street art in New York and emailed him directly. The special event venue, decorated with a black and red theme, was filled with original illustrations created specifically for the occasion and colorful, avant-garde works painted with Theodore's unique touch, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the streets of New York. A short video of Theodore painting on the streets of Manhattan was also screened at the entrance. The talk show focused on the spring makeup look created by STREET ESSENCE, and featured a discussion of the latest makeup and fashion trends. According to buyer Sato, red lipstick continues to be a trend this spring. Akimoto, whose trademark is red lipstick, commented, "STREET ESSENCE's Irresistible Lips has a color that blends well with the skin and has a clear color payoff. Even those who have previously been hesitant to wear red lipstick can easily try it." Akimoto's style is to pair red lipstick with chic colors like black and navy. Kaori also mentioned that the brand put a lot of effort into the new foundation. "The Casual Solid Foundation, which is included in the Collaboration Palette 2015, is a product I'm confident in, as it is designed to look as natural as possible. Red lipstick doesn't look good on heavily covered skin, but on light skin that is clear and translucent like natural skin. I would definitely recommend pairing it with the limited edition red lipstick," she said.
Products that attracted attention at the event included the "RMK Collaboration Palette 2015" (9,500 yen), which was also introduced at the talk show, the "RMK Makeup Palette 2015" (2 types, 4,500 yen each), which comes with a set of two eyeshadows and one blush, and "RMK Irresistible Lips M" (2 new colors, 3,000 yen each). Other items seen on display included an original pouch with a mini mirror featuring Theodore's original illustration (¥3,800), an original brush set (¥4,500) with a portable face color brush, eyeshadow brush, and lip brush in a convenient case for travel, and an original mirror (¥2,000). The venue also offers special content you won't find anywhere else, such as a touch-and-try space where you can try out STREET ESSENCE products, and a show window space where RMK's exclusive makeup artists, active both in Japan and overseas, will appear daily to give makeup demonstrations. Makeup demonstrations will be held daily throughout the event, allowing visitors to try out the latest professional makeup looks using STREET ESSENCE. Additionally, over the weekend of the 20th to 22nd, there will be special events you won't want to miss, such as a double makeup show featuring KAORI and RMK's exclusive makeup artists, and a live painting session by Theodore himself, who will be visiting Japan.
"We want everyone to enjoy the world of STREET ESSENCE to the fullest, something that can only be experienced now," said a spokesperson for the brand. For details on the event schedule, please check the official website.
