The Concept.
The original concept for this project was conceived 2.5 years ago with the intention of visually embodying our brand philosophy through creative means, and establishing a platform to showcase local creatives.
The project has maintained this essence throughout its development, and has further evolved to form into its final iteration as the coffee table book it is today: an exclusive art piece that explores and celebrates beauty within both individualism and community.
The Catalyst.
- January 2022
Gifted by a dear client of The Lab, the book ‘Ikigai’ Played a major role in the birth of this concept and was a triggering point for deep investigation and discussion into the statement: “Enjoying or creating beauty is something all human beings have access to.” - Hector Garcia.
- September 2022
My dear, your personal encounter with the negative impacts of the societal beauty standards was a pivotal moment for far more than just this project. We feel truly honored and blessed to have your trust, comfort and appreciation in us. But please don’t doubt for a second that you haven't made an equally impactful mark on us. You have aided not only our growth as a business to push for real positive transformation within the beauty industry, but you have also helped us to reaffirm the importance of self love and of how important it is to have supportive people in our corner.
Thank you EP.
The Lab Philosophy.
We aim to create positive transformation within the beauty industry: championing individuality, celebrating diversity, and fostering empowerment.
Our offering exceeds limitations imposed by standardised norms and we proudly advocate for the enhancement of our clients' innate, individual beauty.
We aim to provide low maintenance, high quality, enduring beauty solutions while adopting a holistic approach to health and well-being.
Our approach is deeply rooted in celebrating each person's unique features, meticulously crafting personalised treatments and programs that align with their goals and/or concerns.
At The Lab, prioritising community building has always been fundamental to our mission; creating a sense of acceptance, solidarity and belonging, nurturing support, sharing knowledge, collaborating diversely and standing by one another.
The Shoot.
The styling and direction for the concept photoshoot was driven solely by the timely interests of The Lab’s director Hannah. She found inspiration in editorial photographs, posters, and magazine covers. Additionally, Hannah was captivated by the allure of film photography and the striking contrast between the rawness of film vs the polished production of high end editorial magazines.
Inspiration was drawn from magazines like Dazed & Confused, Tank, i-D, Vice, and Homme for their irreverent attitude toward conventional norms and traditions through expression of art, style and creativity. Photographers such as Yung Hua Chen (2018), Theo Gosselin (WONDERLAND spring 20) also held a level of influence over the themes of this concept shoot.
A dip into the history of the beauty industry. The beauty industry has historically been homogenous in several ways. One significant aspect is the narrow portrayal of beauty standards, often centered around a limited set of ideals, such as Eurocentric features. This has resulted in a lack of representation for people of diverse ethnicities, body types, ages, and gender identities. Additionally, the beauty industry has often promoted a uniform aesthetic, emphasizing conformity to specific trends or standards. This can lead to a lack of inclusivity and marginalization of individuals whose appearance deviates from the norm. Moreover, the lack of diversity in leadership and decision-making roles within the beauty industry has perpetuated homogeneity. When the industry is dominated by a particular demographic, it can limit the perspectives and experiences reflected in product development, marketing campaigns, and overall brand messaging. These factors combined have contributed to the homogeneity of the beauty industry, creating barriers to inclusion and representation for many individuals. However, there has been a growing movement towards diversity and inclusivity in recent years, with many brands and initiatives working to challenge and change these norms. However, while the beauty industry faces criticism, it has also made significant positive contributions to society through history in terms of cultural exchange, innovation, economic development, empowerment, and well-being. Cultural Exchange: The beauty industry has fostered cultural exchange by sharing diverse beauty practices and traditions across different societies. This exchange promotes understanding and appreciation of various cultural perspectives on beauty. Innovation and Creativity: Beauty products and techniques have spurred innovation and creativity in fields such as chemistry, design, and technology. From groundbreaking skincare ingredients to innovative makeup tools, the industry drives advancements that benefit society. Economic Growth and Employment: With its diverse sectors including manufacturing, retail, salons, and spas, the beauty industry significantly contributes to economic growth and job creation, offering employment opportunities worldwide. Self-Expression and Confidence: Beauty products empower individuals to express themselves and boost their self-confidence. Makeup, skincare, and grooming rituals serve as tools for self-care, fostering a positive sense of identity and well-being. Community and Support: Beauty communities provide platforms for individuals to connect, share advice, and offer support. These communities cultivate a sense of belonging and solidarity, particularly for marginalized groups, fostering empowerment. Advancements in Health and Wellness: By prioritizing skin health, sun protection, and overall well-being, the beauty industry has contributed to advancements in health and wellness. Many products now incorporate ingredients with proven benefits, promoting a holistic approach to beauty and wellness.
The Book Design & Composition.
The composition of this book draws heavy inspiration from Japanese design principles, infused with the profound philosophy that saturates Japanese culture. Throughout the entire concept and design, there's a deliberate nod to the essence of Japanese-inspired aesthetics and ethos.
Central to this approach is the reverence for the act of creating something by hand, embodying the ethos of being present in the moment, and fostering a deep sense of pride and connection to artistic creation. This philosophy emphasizes the value of craftsmanship and the intimate relationship between the creator and their work.
In line with this ethos, the book incorporates Japanese-inspired bookbinding techniques, reflecting the essence of ‘Wabi-Sabi’. Wabi-Sabi celebrates imperfection, embracing the beauty of flaws and impermanence. With a limited quantity of books in circulation, every piece is meticulously crafted to custom sizes, ensuring a truly bespoke experience. Each book is handcrafted with care, exuding an authentic touch that speaks to its individuality and uniqueness. While slight variations may exist between pieces, what remains unwavering is the dedication to excellence and attention to detail found in every creation.
The typography within the book mirrors the simplicity and elegance often found in typewriter fonts, echoing the minimalist aesthetic prevalent in Japanese design. Film photographs are employed to capture moments with a timeless quality, imbuing the pages with a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.
Embracing a journal-style format, the book invites readers into a personal and intimate exploration of its contents. This approach encourages reflection and engagement, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the narrative journey curated within its pages.
Overall, the composition of the book is a harmonious blend of Japanese-inspired design elements and philosophical underpinnings. It celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the intimacy of craftsmanship, and the timeless allure of analog mediums, offering readers a sensory and contemplative experience with an intent to align to our philosophies at The Lab and our position within the beauty industry.
The history of coffee table books: Coffee table books serve as decorative accents, conversation starters, sources of inspiration, and vehicles for cultural and intellectual enrichment. With their captivating imagery and compelling content, they enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room while providing common ground for discussion and sharing of ideas among guests. Offering insights into diverse subjects and serving as sources of inspiration for art, design, and travel, coffee table books stimulate creativity and expand knowledge. Historically regarded as symbols of wealth and sophistication, they continue to convey refinement and cultural savvy.
The Playlist.
Think of this as a contemporary mixtape—a curated selection of 15 tracks spanning various genres and featuring artists from diverse backgrounds. Each composition is uniquely beautiful, and when woven together, they create a harmonious blend that celebrates the richness and diversity of music.
The Artwork Selection.
Wangechi Mutu -“You Are My Sunshine” (2015)
Wangechi Mutu is an acclaimed contemporary artist known for her mixed-media works that explore themes of gender, race, colonialism, and the body. Born in Kenya and currently based in New York, Mutu's art often incorporates collage techniques, combining images from fashion magazines, medical journals, and African cultural sources to create surreal and provocative compositions. Her work challenges conventional notions of beauty and identity, addressing issues of representation and power dynamics.
At the heart of Mutu’s work lies a powerful interrogation of the female body and its representation in contemporary society. Drawing on a diverse array of mediums including painting, sculpture, collage and video, Mutu crafts visual narratives that challenge conventional notions of beauty, identity, and power. Her figures, often hybrid creatures merging human, animal and machine elements, defy easy categorisation, inviting viewers to question their own preconceptions and assumptions.
Mutu’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the art world, resonating with audiences around the world who are drawn to the depth and complexity of her vision. Through her fearless exploration of taboo subjects and her unapologetic celebration of African culture, she has paved the way for a new generation of artists to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of artistic expression.
Wangechi Mutu uses her creativity as a force of positive transformation in the world. Her work serves as a potent critique of neo-colonialism and cultural imperialism, urging viewers to confront the ongoing injustices perpetuated by stems of oppression.
The Collaborators.
Kundalini Hair
- “We are a luxury hair salon located in Barton, Canberra. Led by Salon Director Susie, who has been at the forefront of Canberra’s hairdressing scene for over 30 years.
Our goal for all our clients is simple: we’re here to help you curate your radiance. We are passionate about delivering holistic hair services that leave you feeling confident, educated and empowered. Pioneering the clean haircare movement in Canberra, Susie aims to provide her clients and the community with products and hair colour backed by science and nature – everything selected is free of nasties, good for you, good for the planet.”
@kundalinihair
Emily Leseberg
- “I’ve loved photography for years, but I only picked it up in a “semi” serious way in 2020 - I bought my first film cameras at the start of the pandemic and started roping my friends into letting me take their photos. I’ve been able to shoot so many beautiful people in the 4 years since then, and I feel so lucky that people seem to resonate with my work. Some of my biggest influences are Nan Goldin, Diane Arbus and Mary Ellen Mark. I also love films and draw a lot of inspiration from my favourite movies. I think there’s a lot of beauty in the more mundane moments of life, learning to see this has inspired me endlessly.”
@ememms
Telisa Orzelek
- I am a makeup artist and beautician by trade. I have been full time in the industry for a little over a decade doing solely eyebrows and makeup.Currently I'm in my own studio and have been for 3 years whilst balancing on set shoots, weddings and commercial work all on location.
I found a gap in the Canberra market early on in the more natural style of makeup that I do and love, which also leads into my overall philosophy of embracing one’s own unique beauty but also not taking it too seriously, enjoying it, having fun with it and using makeup as a form of creative expression and self expression. I think in both makeup and beauty my clients are my ultimate inspiration. They individually inspire me to create looks that are based on their personality and style but with my own edge. But creatively I veer towards the “editorial” side of makeup and makeup artists in my style. I also draw inspiration from other MUA’s a few currently being:
- Pennyantuar, emmachenartistry, patmcgrathreal, miaconnor
@telisaorzelek
Hannah Corcoran
- “My mission; To live a life known by no bounds.
To obtain & impart knowledge. To create, collaborate, explore, and move with the seasons of my life. People inspire me, nature revitilises me, and the simple, finer details of life set my soul on fire and fill my heart with love. I am inquisitive to the works and teachings of Rick Rubin, Banksy, Peter Theil and similarly of neuroscientists, CEO’s, small business owners, poets and many of my dear friends around the world. I relish in analog treasures and sentimental exchanges. That’s me. Ciao.”
@iamhannahcorcoran_
