Harris Reed Has Created a Gender-Fluid Makeup Line For MAC
The gender-fluid fashion designer has dressed celebrities including Harry Styles, Solange Knowles and Ezra Miller. Next on their agenda? Makeup.
The gender-fluid fashion designer has dressed celebrities including Harry Styles, Solange Knowles and Ezra Miller. Next on their agenda? Makeup.
MAC Cosmetics have released their first gender-fluid makeup collaboration with London-based designer Harris Reed. Described as a 'celebration of gender fluidity, unapologetic self-expression, acceptance and inclusivity,' Reed drew inspiration from glam-rock romanticism and dandyish dressing for the limited edition makeup line. Eclectic references included Renaissance paintings and images of David Bowie and a young Mick Jagger - fitting for a designer who has previously described their own aesthetic as 'Romanticism gone nonbinary.'
'This is for the little queer kid on the playground with his mother’s lipstick in his back pocket, nervous of fully being who I knew I could be... I give you fluid freedom, utter self expression, and the tools you need in your tool box. Saying goodbye to labels or rules of what men, women, and non-binary individuals can do and be,' wrote Reed in a lengthy Instagram caption announcing the collaboration.
The collection includes an eye shadow and lipstick palette, cheek tints and metallic eyeliner. Housed in intricate gilded Renaissance-inspired casing, the packaging is almost as transformative as the makeup within.
After moving to London to study fashion at Central Saint Martins, Reed got themselves noticed by the fashion establishment almost immediately. Following a brief to create an all white garment as part of a university project, Reed made a white hat, corseted bustier top, and white flare trousers. They posted a picture of the look on Instagram. Stylist Harry Lambert messaged Reed asking to borrow the outfit for a shoot, which led to a meeting between Reed and Harry Styles. Since then, Reed, Lambert and Styles have engaged in an ongoing fashion collaboration that has firmly established the British pop star as a gender-neutral fashion icon.
Harry Styles made history as the first solo male cover star of American Vogue, appearing on the cover of the December 2020 issue in a Gucci ballgown and tuxedo jacket. In one of the images shot by American photographer Tyler Mitchell, Styles pushed gender conventions in a custom look by Reed which featured a Victoriana crinoline, 1980s shoulders, and pants of zoot-suit proportions.
Harris Reed's limited edition Mac Cosmetics makeup collection will be available on 18 February 2020 at Selfridges, Brown Thomas and maccosmetics.co.uk
