Space NK SS16 celebrates beauty intelligence

Space NK’s Spring/Summer 16 campaign #beautyintelligence showcases this season’s looks on six beautiful women – none of whom are primarily models, and all of whom have a personal relationship with beauty.

Beauty Intelligence at Space NK SS16Beauty Intelligence at Space NK SS16

This is a departure for Space NK, whose campaigns usually feature professional models. But to illustrate this season’s key styles, the company wanted to feature women who truly are passionate about beauty. Models are, to a degree, trained to suppress their personality in front of the camera; to become a blank canvas through which the brand’s vision can be expressed – and this Space NK campaign is the antithesis of that.

The launch event was an opportunity to get-up-close and personal with the women whose portraits are currently adorning SPACENK windows and shop-floors internationally. Glass spent a happy afternoon with Princess Julia: DJ, writer, actress and artist; Anita Kaushal: founder of Mauli rituals; and Rebecca Fletcher: pro make-up artist at Space NK, to hear how they’ve found the experience of fronting such a well loved and highly respected brand.

Rebecca Fletcher for Space NKSpace NK Pro make up Artist Rebecca Fletcher wearing Soft Metallics

Rebecca Fletcher told us that as a Space NK pro make up artist, to hand control of the brushes to someone else – even a MUA as extraordinarily talented as Karen Alder – is a disconcerting experience, but one that Rebecca has found exciting and rewarding. And to be in front of the camera, rather than working behind it to help create the image? “I was so pleased to have been photographed with Princess Julia – she really helped me to feel at ease.”

Anita Causal for Space NKMauli Rituals founder Anita Kaushal and the Art Of Strobing

After an initial exchange of pleasantries, the first thing the Princess said to us was “Have you met Anita? She’s amazing. You’ll love her.” It’s surely no accident that Anita Kaushal showcases the highlighting trend. The inspiring founder of Mauli can truly be said to be lit from within. Anita’s warmth, exuberance and generosity of spirit can’t be bought but her gorgeously highlighted skin can be emulated with judicious use of the new TEMPTU Air makeup device …

Princess Julia for Space NKDJ and writer Princess Julia wearing Doll Eyes

Constantly fascinating and always inspiring, Princess Julia is wearing Doll Eyes for #beautyintelligence. Multiple layers of different mascaras create a beautiful, fresh look and we think it is inspired to feature this on Julia, who is known to be a mistress of dark and smudgy eyeliner, and Queen of the statement brow. We love that this dramatic look, so often thought of as a trend for the extremely youthful, is worn here with perfect naturalness by a woman known for her experience and deep understanding of fashion, as well as her keen eye for new and emerging talent.

This Spring/Summer campaign has all the poise and elegance that Space NK are known for, but brings a warmth, vibrancy and thought-provoking element to the brand too. With #beautyintelligence, Space NK have aimed to start a sophisticated, informed conversation about beauty, and we feel they have succeeded. We hope the conversation doesn’t stop here: we’re already looking ahead to Autumn/Winter, wondering – as we always do – what will Princess Julia be wearing then … and will we be buying it from Space NK?

NARS Modern Minimalist box at Space NK

The Modern Minimalist look created by Nars UK Makeup Artist Ambassador Andrew Gallimore for Space NK

The Modern Minimalist look created by Nars UK Makeup Artist Ambassador Andrew Gallimore for Space NK is all about healthy, glowing skin, and natural eyes and lips. Space NK have collaborated with NARS to create the Modern Minimalist box, containing a full size NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint and five NARS minis – everything you need to adapt this look to your own wants and desires. We’ve tried the new NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint and highly recommend it.

It provides perfectly flattering coverage, with no ageing heaviness, and is fast and easy to apply. We suggest you get colour-matched at Space NK and snap up one of these boxes quickly – they are sure to sell out.

The NARS Modern Minimalist Box is priced at £60 and available exclusively in store at Space NK and online here

by Rachel McCormack

All photographs courtesy of Space NK