Here at ELLE, we are always looking to the future of beauty and fashion from emerging skincare trends to innovative products and brands. We strive to celebrate and support a rising generation of creatives and are delighted to launch a new initiative to discover the next wave of talent in the world of beauty.
Last November, we joined forces with Snapchat to launch a nationwide search for the next creative stars of the beauty industry from budding make-up artists, hair stylists, nail artists, AI creatives to skincare gurus. We invited anyone who sees themselves as a future star in the world of beauty to send in an entry, from which we, with the help of an amazing jury of beauty leaders and change-makers, will be choosing a winner who will get to work with Snapchat to create a lens to showcase their work to all.
Alongside beauty director Katy Young, our illustrious judging panel includes Snapchat's global head of fashion and beauty, Rajni Jacques, make-up maverick and brand founder, Isamaya Ffrench, make-up artist Mata Mariélle, and founder of eco-driven skincare range, Conserving Beauty, Natassia Nicolao.
After careful (and lengthy!) deliberation, the judges are thrilled to announce 23-year old make-up artist and creative identity designer Ayopo Abiri as the winner of ELLE's inaugural Future Of Beauty Competition winner in partnership with Snapchat.
A celebratory breakfast, attended by industry insiders such as Emily Wood, Dominic Skinner and Charlotte Mensah alongside Snap Stars such as Nikki Lilly and SebbyJon was held on 8th March at Spring Restaurant and saw Jacques and Abiri discussing the future of beauty, moderated by ELLE's culture director and deputy editor, Lena de Casparis.
With her Snapchat lens now available on the platform, Abiri says 'it's surreal' to see attendees finally experimenting with it at the event. Her lens, with its piercings and bold tones, is inspired by her lifestyle and pays homage to her Nigerian heritage. 'My friends, my family, my surroundings...I take a lot of walks. Just the interaction with space and how space has so much potential,' says Abiri of the things that inspire her work and aesthetics.
There's no denying the impact of social media and the digital sphere on beauty - something that Jacques understands all too well. 'Whether we love the digital world or not, it allows people to be diplomatic, we're seeing things we haven't seen before,' she tells the room. 'Especially with beauty, it was very much the science of beauty before, what formulas went into things. But we are seeing that its now trickling into the culture of beauty. What is the culture of beauty?'
If the breakfast was any indication, the future of beauty is inclusive to all regardless of gender, heritage, ability or background. While there is still much work to be done, with trailblazers such as Abiri in the industry, the future looks very bright indeed.
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