Blog. What we're doing. What we're thinking. What we like. What we love. And not a single mention of what we had for lunch.

Cult make-up brand Illamasqua has just unleashed its third UK standalone store in Leeds – the very city in which it originated.

Adored by fashionistas and celebrities across the globe – including Lady Gaga and Beth Ditto – Illamasqua products are respected and loved by everyone from professional make-up artists and subcultures to every woman (and man) on the street. In the three years since its launch, Illamasqua has been described by Vogue as a ‘brand with cult status’ and named a 'CoolBrand’ 2011/2012 in an influential annual initiative to identify the UK’s most powerful brands.

Illamasqua’s new concept store within Leeds’ elegant Victoria Quarter has been designed to mesmerise passers by with light fantasies and sculptures designed by its creative director, avant-garde make-up artist Alex Box.

The opening of this milestone store, just a year after Illamasqua’s London Flagship Store launch in September 2010, last month’s Liverpool store opening and in the wake of the brand’s third birthday demonstrates that Illamasqua is one of the most dynamic and upcoming make-up brands, not only in the UK but throughout the world.

Julian Kynaston, founder and joint MD of Illamasqua and Chairman of Propaganda, says:
“Nothing gives us greater pride than celebrating our third birthday in Leeds. To have achieved global fame in such a short time is phenomenal, but nothing will compare to seeing our third flagship store launch in Leeds. We hope you enjoy exploring your alter ego with Illamasqua.”

Interesting, meet Thursday. Thursday, meet Interesting. I think you guys would be good together.

Granny knows best:

'Famous' by Judy Kaufmann:

Tea and Coffee will never look better in these beauties from Andy Smith:

Projection:

Saving the best until last. The 45 most powerful images of 2011:

A bunch of us donated our coats today to the Salvation Army appeal. The appeal is aimed at encouraging people to rediscover their community spirit, without the financial burden.

By donating our coats we're helping to spread the warmth to those less fortunate through the winter months. Why don't you do it too!

Here we are modelling the coats of one last time:

Posted by Nicole Levings.

We had a great day working with Jan Mansy for an Illamasqua shoot on Wednesday. There were a few tired eyes on set following the previous nights Illamasqua party, but we shot some great stuff all the same. Here's a few shots from behind the scenes, the final images and make-up looks will be revealed at a later date...

Posted by Lee Bennett.