CREATIVE LASH ART

Creative lash art is applying eyelash extensions in unique and innovative ways, showcasing artistic skills, imagination, and ability to think outside the box. It involves going beyond traditional lash extension techniques to create captivating and unconventional designs that push the boundaries of what is considered typical or expected. Creative lash art lets us explore real life themes with exaggeration and artistic expression.

Creative or Fantasy Lash Art refers to a style that incorporates imaginative and whimsical elements inspired by fantasy themes. It involves creating unique and creative lash designs that embrace fantastical elements. The designs in fantasy lash art often draw inspiration from mythical creatures, fairy tales, magical landscapes, or other outside the box elements.

We want to see visionary lash artistry that makes people stop and stare. Think bigger than beauty—think drama, storytelling, bold statements, and high concept looks. Whether it’s lashes that resemble wearable art, stylish sculptures or a set that channels a surreal muse—this is your runway moment.

This year, we’re taking the lash world to the catwalk with our theme: RUNWAY – Avant-Garde Lash Fashion.

Inspired by high fashion, editorial beauty, and the fearless spirit of avant-garde design, this theme invites artists to step beyond the basics and into the spotlight. From Met Gala-level drama to surrealist art, drag performance, and fantasy film couture - your lash set should feel like it belongs on a runway where creativity rules, boldness is celebrated, and beauty is anything but ordinary.

This is your moment to break boundaries, tell a story, and create a lash look that owns the stage. This category is judged on creativity, execution, originality, and fashion-forward thinking. The more daring, the better.

What does "Avant-Garde" mean?

Avant-garde comes from the French military term meaning "advance guard", the troops who go ahead of the rest. In art and fashion, it describes the creatives who do exactly that: they go first, they go bold, and they go where no one else has dared to go.

It’s a term reserved for visionaries—the rule-breakers, the idea-makers, the disruptors. Avant-garde is not just a style, it’s a mindset. It challenges norms, rejects the obvious, and explores the extremes of expression. It asks, “What if we did it differently?” and then dares to do it anyway. In the context of lash artistry, avant-garde means turning lashes into sculpture, story, and spectacle. It’s less about practicality, and more about impact. It’s where beauty becomes unusual, experimental, futuristic, symbolic, or even surreal.

Muse Worthy: Designers Who Inspire

Behind every unforgettable runway moment is a designer bold enough to dream differently. In the world of avant-garde fashion, there are no limits—only possibilities. These iconic designers didn’t just create garments, they crafted visual experiences, cultural commentary, and wearable art. They challenged norms, told stories without words, and carved out space for expression that went far beyond fashion.

Let your lash designs be inspired by the greats who’ve ruled the runway with audacity:

Alexander McQueen – the master of theatrical storytelling and otherworldly drama
Iris van Herpen – futuristic, sculptural fashion that looks like it was born in another dimension
Vivienne Westwood – rebellious, eccentric, unapologetically bold
Thom Browne – genderless fashion with surrealist flair
Jean Paul Gaultier – a genius of glam-punk and visual impact

These designers didn’t follow trends. They created movements. That’s the energy we want to see in your lash entry.

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Think MET Gala. But for Lashes.

The Met Gala is fashion’s biggest night out, where the world’s most influential designers, celebrities, and artists come together to create one-of-a-kind, art-meets-fashion statements. Held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the event revolves around a theme inspired by the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition—and trust us, subtlety is never the goal. Each year, we see jaw-dropping creations that blur the lines between couture and performance art

This use this category as your version of the Met Gala red carpet, where the theme is everything and more is more. Think of those iconic moments:

Rihanna in papal couture
Zendaya as Cinderella
Lil Nas X in golden armor
Dojo Cat attending as a crystal-covered feline.

Now channel that drama through your lash artistry.

Editorial Magazines: Beauty X Art

Some of the most avant-garde beauty moments in history weren’t seen on the runway or the red carpet... but on the pages of high fashion magazines. Editorial fashion is about pushing creative boundaries and telling stories through visuals. It's often abstract, conceptual, bold, and emotional—exactly the kind of energy we want to see in your lash designs.

Think fashion magazine covers and spreads where the goal is art, not wearability.

Vogue (known for edgy, unconventional shoots)
W Magazine
Dazed Beauty

These are goldmines for avant-garde makeup, beauty shapes, unusual textures, and storytelling through visuals. These editorials aren’t made to sell clothes or makeup. They’re made to evoke feeling. To shock. To inspire. To say something.

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Surrealism & Art Movements

Some of the most iconic avant-garde fashion looks were born on a canvas. Surrealism and modern art movements have long influenced fashion, makeup, and beauty in the most unexpected ways. These movements broke the rules of what art should be—just like avant-garde lashes break the rules of what lashes can be.

Avant-garde fashion is often rooted in surreal, conceptual art from the likes of:

Salvador Dalí – melting clocks, dream logic, bizarre beauty
Frida Kahlo – bold colours, symbolism, self-expression
Bauhaus / Dada / Cubism – bold shapes, abstraction, distorted proportions

These art movements give permission to be weird, abstract, emotional, and layered, they broke the rules of what lashes can be.

Think melting or floating objects. Bold, emotional symbolism. Faces painted like fractured glass or dreamscapes turned into wearable forms. This is where your lash work can enter the world of the unreal, the emotional, the expressive, and the strange, and be absolutely breathtaking.

Drag & Performance Art

If there’s any world where lashes steal the spotlight, it’s the world of drag. Drag is a masterclass in exaggerated glam, fearless self-expression, and performance-based fashion. From towering wigs and crystal-covered corsets to lashes that practically reach the ceiling—this is avant-garde in motion.

Take inspiration from:

RuPaul’s Drag Race Runways - Especially the "Club Kid" and "Category is…" themes—these are visual feasts that celebrate colour, camp, character, and high-concept execution. Every lash is a statement piece.
Leigh Bowery - The original provocateur. Bowery blurred the lines between fashion, theatre, and art. Think full facial transformations, wildly constructed lashes, and costumes that defied anatomy.
Haus of Gaga (Early Gaga Era) - Remember the lace face masks? The lightning bolt eye? The lashes made of paper, wire, or even blinking lights?

This is a chance to go full character, create fantasy, and use lashes to transform identity. Because in drag, more is more… and lashes aren’t an accessory, they’re a personality.

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From the Cinema

Fantasy and sci-fi films are rich with visual storytelling, where costume, makeup, and character design create entire universes in a single look. We invite you to draw inspiration from the cinematic worlds where reality is reimagined, and beauty becomes a language of its own.

These iconic universes like these can be the ultimate inspiration:

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - Dive into Afro-futurism, a stunning blend of ancestral tradition, rich symbolism, and futuristic tech. Think sculptural adornments, metallic accents, bold shapes, and lashes that echo tribal patterns or armour-like structure.
Cruella - Think fashion-forward villainy with a punk-meets-haute-couture edge. Cruella’s entire aesthetic is theatrical, bold, and fearless. Imagine lashes that echo torn tulle, leather, feathers, or even newspaper print—fierce, editorial, and unapologetically dramatic.
Labyrinth / Alice in Wonderland - Step into dark fairytales, where whimsy collides with mystery. Imagine lashes inspired by enchanted creatures, twisted roots, surreal dreamscapes, or eerie elegance. This is your chance to play with delicate, dramatic, or even unsettling beauty.

These worlds challenge us to dream bigger. Your lash entry should feel like it belongs to a character, as if it was custom designed for their story, their costume, their realm.

CREATE WITH RESPECT

When discussing the intersection of art, cultural appropriation, and personal expression, it is important to strike a balance between individual creativity and cultural sensitivity.

Art is undoubtedly subjective and personal, allowing individuals to express their unique perspectives and emotions. However, it is crucial to be mindful of cultural appropriation, which refers to the adoption or borrowing of elements from another culture without understanding or respecting its significance.

In the context of a lash competition or any artistic endeavor, it is important to approach cultural themes with respect and sensitivity.

Consider researching and understanding the cultural origins and meanings behind the elements you wish to incorporate. This helps ensure that your artistic expression is informed and respectful rather than appropriative.

Recognise that cultural symbols and practices hold deep significance to the communities they belong to. It's essential to avoid using them in a superficial or exploitative manner that may perpetuate stereotypes or diminish their cultural importance.

Engaging in dialogue with individuals from the culture you wish to draw inspiration from can provide valuable insights and perspectives. Listen to their perspectives, seek their guidance, and be open to feedback. This not only demonstrates respect but also helps to avoid causing unintentional offense.

Remember that art can be a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity when approached with cultural sensitivity. You can focus on creating original, inclusive designs that reflect your own unique perspective while honouring and acknowledging the cultural origins and symbols you incorporate.

MAKEUP AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Go ahead! The use of a professional makeup artist and photographer can greatly enhance the overall presentation and impact of the lash art. So utilise the expertise of the professionals to elevate your competition entry. Create stunning visuals that make a lasting impression and that lift the overall experience for both judges and spectators.

The lash work MUST BE YOUR OWN but collaborating with a skilled makeup artist allows for the creation of a cohesive and harmonious look, where the lashes are beautifully complemented by expertly applied makeup. The makeup artist can accentuate the model's features, ensure flawless skin, and create a captivating overall aesthetic that highlights the lash design.

The collaboration between the lash artist, makeup artist, and photographer creates a cohesive and visually impactful package that enhances the artistic vision and storytelling of the lash design. Be sure to credit your MUA and Photographer in your submission.

Of course this is not necessary to compete in the category. You can DIY makeup and get excellent photo results using your phone.

JUDGING CRITERIA

CREATIVE LASH ART

First Impression

The complete look of the set and suitability of the model.

Photography

Well lit images of model, clear visibility of the lashes. No stray lashes or clutter in background.

Mapping and Styling

Map should compliment the model’s eye shape and be suitable to their face.

Coverage

Good coverage based on the map/design and model. All inner and outer corners must be covered with a suitable length.

Isolation

No visible stickies, or clumps of extensions.

Direction

Lashes are placed in the correct direction for the mapping. Stylised direction and symmetry between eyes.

Attachment

Extensions must be adhered correctly to the natural lash with no lifting at the base.

Lash Line

Lash line must be clean with no extensions touching or pulling at the skin. Extensions are the correct distance from the lash line.

Creativity and Design

Representation of the theme. Suitability of design. Colours used in complimentary combinations. Original thought.

Lower Lashes

Creative application or styling of the lower lashes. Extensions and/or decals are attached safely.

Makeup

Makeup is cleaning applied to accentuate the design and not distract from the set. No foundation on the lashes.

Hair Style, Head Piece and Accessories

Creative use of hair styling and accessories to convey the theme.

Costume

Complexity of the costume, artistic body artwork and/or applied decorations to complete the look.

Model Comfort

No signs of irritation present. No low hanging lashes. No red or watery eyes.

Written Submission

Submitted (.pdf or .doc file) with the thought process behind the design, how it fits the theme. Explained what mapping, styling and lashes were used to create the look.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

CREATIVE LASH ART CATEGORY

Before photo with eyes closed from behind the models head and gel pads applied to see the condition of natural lashes
Before photo with eyes open from the front while model seated to see the eye shape and the whole face
After photo with eyes closed from behind the models head without gel pads. NO MAKEUP, no Photoshop/ Facetune
After photo with eyes open looking straight photo of the whole face to see the symmetry of the set. NO MAKE UP, Photoshop/ Facetune
Image of an isolated lash. NO MAKEUP, no Photoshop/ Facetune
After photo of left eye with model looking up. Makeup allowed.
After photo of right eye with the model looking up. Makeup allowed.
After photo of full face. Makeup allowed.
After photo of half body. Makeup allowed.
Your favourite photos to show your work at its best. 2-4 images. These can be edited.

Write 2-3 paragraphs about your entry explaining the story behind your design.

Optional: You can also submit a short video explaining your design and creative process.