The multidisciplinary artist finds beauty in the juxtaposition of high and low aesthetics
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It’s in the contrast and juxtaposition of high and low culture that Vlada Krukovskaya most often finds beauty. “It’s like you came out of luxury shopping and are going to eat a hot dog from a gas station,” says the make-up artist, “or it’s an incredibly beautiful model but with wet hair, dirt on her face and oil all over her body.” This philosophy is one that she brings to her own work, where faux face tattoos and pink ribbon eyelashes sit alongside logos airbrushed onto tanned torsos. “It’s like graffiti in the Louvre.”
Born in Russia, the multidisciplinary make-up artist grew up and later studied in St Petersburg. As a child she collected cosmetics from Sabrina the Teenage Witch magazines and dressed up Bratz dolls. Today she works between make-up, styling and photography, carving out her own distinctive aesthetic that is, in her own words, “stylish and dirty with a bit of freakiness”. This balance between glamour and grit is evident in everything she does, whether it’s slime-green contacts and ball-chain eyebrows, or her collaborations with musician Hofmannita and fashion labels like Cheshe Design, Named Collective and You Wanna.
While her art style might have once been considered niche, she welcomes a growing audience with the rise of ugly beauty iterations. “I think when people stop thinking in stereotypes, then beauty will come out.” We speak to Krukovskaya about her artistry, Bratz dolls and her love for Rihanna.
What do you do and why do you do it?
Vlada Krukovskaya: I don’t want to put labels on my art, but initially I just painted pictures and customised things. At the age of 21 I started doing make-up and after that it grew into stylisation and full-fledged creation of filming, I also shoot photos and videos.
What’s your earliest beauty-related memory?
Vlada Krukovskaya: As a child, I collected cosmetics from the magazine Sabrina the Teenage Witch and played computer games dressing up Bratz and Barbies. Also the trend for thin eyebrows when I was 13!
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Vlada Krukovskaya: I’ve been in my field for six years already but my career is just beginning. I only found myself when I started photographing my work myself, stylising it myself, coming up with all the images myself. Of course collaborating with different creators is cool, but when you find yourself and your style is even cooler, other people won’t be able to convey your vibe.
Which fictional character do you most relate to?
Vlada Krukovskaya: I like Jade from Bratz. If you watch Bratz, you understand that the girls achieved their success on their own, despite the obstacles from other characters. They make their life interesting, they travel and love fashion. I would like to be one of the brothers.
Who is your beauty icon?
Vlada Krukovskaya: I love Rihanna madly, I look forward to every appearance and think ‘what will she wear this time?’ I also love the era of Christina Aguilera in Dirrty. But ultimately, I strive to become an icon for myself and those around me.
What is your current obsession?
Vlada Krukovskaya: Blueberry juiceball bubble tea.
When do you feel most beautiful?
Vlada Krukovskaya: Always, I wouldn’t want to swap my appearance with anyone in the world. But I especially love myself with freckles on my face and a tan.
Are you optimistic about the future?
Vlada Krukovskaya: Yes, I believe in myself very strongly. I don’t know what will happen in five years, but what I do is like a gift from God and I definitely have to do it. I want to end up in Forbes!
You have the ability to live in a video game. Which would it be and why?
Vlada Krukovskaya: Lara Croft, I think she’s a very stylish character and she does all sorts of extreme things that I would like to try.
You have to replace part of your body with that of an animal or a mythological creature. What do you go for?
Vlada Krukovskaya: A vampire or maybe a mermaid, I would like to have wings like Maleficent. I have always loved these characters because they’re so dark and mysterious.
You’ve had an accident which causes you to lose your sense of smell. The doctors can’t return it fully but can give you the ability to smell one scent. What do you pick?
Vlada Krukovskaya: “Gold” by Juicy Couture or Tom Ford “Soleil Blanc”.