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Kanako Takase

Makeup Artist

The Japanese makeup artist’s work has graced the cover of Vogue Italia, Saint Laurent’s runway and numerous campaigns.

Biography

Since Takase interned for Pat McGrath at the age of 22, the Japanese make-up artist has gone on to have her work on the cover of Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar and Allure magazine, as well as in campaigns for brands like Area and Eckhaus Latta. During Spring/Summer 2019 men’s fashion week, she provided the make-up for the Roberto Cavalli , Li Ning and Saint Laurent shows, which followed on from her work for Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2018 eyewear campaign. 

Takase graduated from beauty school in Tokyo when she was 22, and shortly afterwards, she moved to New York where she met one of the assistants to legendary make-up artist Pat McGrath in a restaurant. A few months later, Takase was asked to prepare one of McGrath’s shows. Since interning for McGrath, Takase has assisted make-up artists Mark Carrasquillo, Aaron de Mey and Dazed & Confused collaborator, Yadim, to whom Takase became first assistant.

The artist’s portfolio has extended to cover work with Chloë Sevigny, Julia Cumming and Daria Werbowy , as well as brands including Hermès, Diesel and Topshop. She also worked with Rick Owens on his Spring/Summer 2017 collection campaign and photographer Mario Sorrenti . Takase worked on her first Vogue cover while assisting Yadim, who couldn’t attend last minute and asked her to step in, leaving Takase to work on the final look for Blake Lively for the US Vogue August 2014 issue.

Her editorial work is featured in the American, British, Chinese and Italian editions of Vogue, as well as Teen Vogue, i-D, W magazine, Le Monde and Interview. Her artistic skill was also tapped by brands such as Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera and Agent Provocateur for various campaigns and look books. In 2017, Takase was included in the Dazed 100 list.

Her artistic endeavours go beyond editorial campaigns; in 2015, Takase collaborated with Norwegian artist and provocateur Bjarne Melgaard and hair artist Recine for an exhibition entitled "The Casual Pleasure of Disappointment" in the Paris Marais gallery. Takase also worked on Kim Kardashian-West ’s cover for BoF’s special print issue for Spring 2018.

Vital Statistics

Nationality

Japan

Location
United States
Member since
2018

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What is The BoF 500?

The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.