Not for the first time, MAC is collaborating with an iconic young star — posthumously. Today, the cosmetics giant took to Instagram to announce its upcoming Aaliyah-inspired makeup collection. “Aaliyah is truly one in a million — an unstoppable icon whose groundbreaking work in R&B music and film inspires us all,” wrote the brand. “Today we join her countless fans in celebrating her with the announcement of the MAC Aaliyah collection. You made it happen! Stay tuned in 2018.”
The “you” refers to the thousands of stans — led by Jennifer Risinger — who’ve spent the past two years campaigning for such a collection. Back in 2015, Risinger began a Change.org petition (backed by Aaliyah’s brother and estate) calling for a MAC x Aaliyah line. (“Aaliyah stands for MAC’s mission of ‘All ages, All races, All sexes,” it proclaimed.) The petition went on to accumulate over 26,000 signatures. An Instagram account filled with potential products and marketing imagery followed. (At time of publishing, @aaliyahformac has over 18,000 followers.)
Especially after the stunning success of its Selena Quintanilla-inspired makeup line — born of a similar push from fans of the late, lamented Mexican singer — MAC was more than happy to oblige Risinger et al. All it needed was a go-ahead from Aaliyah’s estate — which, of course, it got.
“There is a certain something about each of our collaborators that inspires MAC — with Aaliyah it was the incredible passion from her fans that was everywhere we turned,” Catherine Bomboy Dougherty, MAC’s Senior Vice President of Global Communications, told Fashionista. “We admire Aaliyah because she was a not only an exceptionally talented artist, but a risk-taker and innovator who still influences the worlds of music, fashion and beauty. She continues to be a role model whose legacy inspires us all to follow our hearts. We are honored the family trusted MAC to bring Aaliyah and her fans’ vision to life. We made a lot of people really happy today and that feels good.”
At the moment, details surrounding the collection are scarce, though we imagine Aaliyah’s preferred high-gloss lip shades will be among the goods. Watch this space for updates.
[ via Fashionista ]
