Hourglass turns faces into canvases at pop-up with tattooist Sasha Unisex
Hourglass Cosmetics is taking over Chelsea this weekend with a pop-up exhibition in partnership with Space NK, celebrating the launch of its Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Holiday Collection.
The limited-time experience is centred around three new holiday palettes, each hand-painted by renowned tattoo artist Sasha Unisex, whose geometric watercolours have earned quite the buzz. The Deer, Swan and Fox designs embody Hourglass’s ongoing commitment to cruelty-free beauty, while bringing a tactile sense of artistry to the brand’s packaging.
Visitors can expect more than swatching palettes. The exhibition includes a short film screening that traces Sasha’s creative process and delves into the deeper message behind the collection: makeup as art, with a tribute to animal welfare woven into every detail. Complimentary popcorn adds a playful twist to what is otherwise a thoughtful, gallery-style experience.
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Sasha Unisex said: "When working on this project, I wanted the packaging to be more than just beautiful. I imagined how it would feel to open the palette for the first time, and I wanted that moment to feel special.
"With tattoos, you think about longevity - how the image moves with the body. Makeup, like tattoos, is a creative tool. I love how it can transform and highlight personality. It’s another kind of art."
The pop-up runs from 26 September to 28 September at the Duke of York in Chelsea. It marks yet another instance of beauty brands leaning into immersive, experiential storytelling to connect with consumers beyond the counter. In fact, it's the third month in a row that Hourglass have created experiential pop-ups to engage Londoners.
In July, it reinforced its status as a complexion powerhouse this summer with the launch of The Vinyl Lounge, a limited-time immersive pop-up experience in London’s Soho. Coinciding with the debut of its complexion campaign and the announcement of singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams as its Global Brand Partner, the event blended music, artistry and makeup at the Sounds of the Universe record store on Broadwick Street.
This was followed by a pop-up charm bar at Selfridges London in August. Inspired by the craftsmanship of fine jewellery, Hourglass reimagined its bestselling Ambient Lighting Edit palette as a customisable gold compact (£92). Each lid can be personalised with two charms from a curated collection of 48 golden symbols, crafted from premium metals and gemstones.
