Katrin Leblond is Montreal's fashion flower child.  Consistently bringing color, theatrics, wearable cuts and circus inspiration into every collection she designs, she makes clothing for inspired women with real personalities.  It's no surprise that her colorful disposition and positive outlook inspire so many Montrealers and keep them coming back for more.  I recently had the opportunity to sit down with her at home and dissect a bit of her beauty rituals and philosophies...

... and of course trade some makeup techniques...

 I let her in on my intense love for cream eyeshadows and she schooled me on how to  properly apply khol (seriously... I have been living a khol lie... all this time!!!).

Katrin has only recently begun to fall down the rabbit hole when it comes to experimenting with makeup.  Taking inspiration and techniques from YouTube tutorials and applying her lust for learning, she admits that makeup didn't always seem so approachable. Only when she realized that she could relate it to her painting and art did the walls came tumbling down and the exploration commenced.  Eyeshadows became paints and skin a mere three dimensional canvas.

 Her one beauty "must have"?  Blush.  "Some people can't live without mascara or eyeliner, but there is nothing that can boost morale like a splash of color to add a natural healthy flush to the face".

 You can tell a lot about how makeup relates to Katrin's design conceptions just from watching her previous fashion shows.  Models struttin' down the runway in colorful smoked-out eyes and juicy red/hot pink glossy lips. Makeup to guide them to a place where they can let their inner goddesses out.  It is a complementary accessory that goes hand in hand with Katrin's vibrant and boldly wearable threads. 

Really though... who doesn't feel like letting out their inner flirt when sporting long luscious lashes and some perfectly pouty lips?  Of course a perfectly draped silk chiffon dress definitely helps...

Makeup assists with confidence, and we all know there is nothing sexier than a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid of going after it!  The KL woman ties love and beauty together for the ultimate "feel good" application to life.

Katrin actually made and painted this gorgeous vanity table herself to be able to fully enjoy application in a relaxed and designated zone.  Love it!

Katrin will be participating in this years Design Montreal Open House... a free-for-all two days where the public is invited into the studios of some of the cities most influencial designers!  Katrin will be opening her studio doors on May 2nd 2010 from noon until 5pm to give an in-depth look at the swatches, inspiration and styles for her fall/winter 2010 collection.  So hop to the site and plan your itinerary today, I know I'm not gonna miss out!!!

Katrin holds a beautiful website, blog (written by yours truly), fanpage, and twitter that will keep you posted on all KL happenings and future events (check them out... if not only for the vivid pictures and genuine outlook).

Katrin is wearing Annabelle's...

Mineral Makeup Foundation in Natural Ivory and Blush in Sugar Rush

Studio Pigments in Magentini, Greed and Karma

Smoothliner eyeliner in Brownie and Volumelash.com Mascara in Black

Volumelip Lip Plumping Gloss in Cherryoke

Live your life in bold, unforgiving color!

xox