The Alchemy of Beauty: Exploring Hitomi Matsuno’s Captivating World

Hitomi Matsuno is a versatile and talented hair and makeup artist, as well as a designer of captivating headpieces, based in the vibrant city of Tokyo. With an impressive foundation of four years of experience as a hairstylist, Hitomi honed her skills and developed a keen eye for detail before transitioning into the role of hair and makeup assistant, where she further cultivated her artistry in the beauty industry.

Recognizing the significance of hair and makeup as vital forms of visual art, Hitomi views her work as an extension of creative expression and storytelling. In her hands, the craft becomes more than just a beautification process; it serves as a powerful means of transforming not only the exterior but also the very essence of the subject. Hair and makeup allow artists like Hitomi to explore themes of identity, emotion, and cultural narratives, rendering each look a vivid experience that speaks volumes about who each individual is and how they wish to present themselves to the world.

In 2019, driven by a creative resurgence, Hitomi returned to her passion for headpiece design—a craft that enables her to merge her fascination with fashion and her artistic vision. This revival was fueled by a longing to reconnect with the elements of design and couture that had initially ignited her love for the industry. Her headpieces, often characterized by intricate detailing and a modern silhouette, are a testament to her belief that fashion and art are inextricably linked, and they serve to complement her hair and makeup artistry in creating holistic visual narratives.

In 2021, Hitomi spent an enriching period in Korea, where her talents garnered considerable attention. During her stay, she collaborated with numerous esteemed artists and photographers, most notably the celebrated photographer Chogiseok. Her work during this time extended to high-profile advertisements and artistic projects that captured the aesthetic spirit of the moment. Hitomi’s artistry found a platform with popular music groups such as Red Velvet, NewJeans, IVE, and XG, where she brought her unique vision to life, enhancing the visual narratives they presented through their work.

Most recently, Hitomi had the honor of contributing her expertise to Kylie Jenner's inaugural fragrance cosmetics line, an opportunity that underscores her growing influence and recognition in the beauty and fashion sectors. Through her artistry, Hitomi Matsuno continues to make an indelible mark, blending creativity, cultural inspiration, and personal expression into every project she undertakes. In doing so, she not only elevates the visual experience but solidifies her position as a notable force in the intersection of beauty, fashion, and visual art. We reached Hitomi Matsuno for an exclusive interview for RED-EYE. Check it out below!

Your journey began as a hair stylist before evolving into hair and makeup artistry and headpiece design. How has your experience in these areas influenced your creative process?

I believe that my career as a hair + make-up artist has helped me develop a sense of physical fit, design from a fashion point of view, and color and three-dimensional balance. The production process involves creating the design on a blender, outputting it with two 3D printers (SLA and FDM), and finishing it off with a final airbrush.

Creating headpieces requires not only artistry but also a meticulous design approach. Can you discuss how you utilize digital design tools or AI technology when conceptualizing and crafting your headpieces? What advantages have these technologies provided in terms of precision, creativity, and efficiency?

My reasons for using digital devices are to explore the possibilities of expression that are unique to this age of online and offline intermingling, as well as the realistic situation due to the shortage of artisan talent and the economy. I feel that the use of digital devices has made it possible to express quality and a high level of originality. I do not use AI for many of our concepts at this time, but I have tried several image outputs using AI and have asked questions about future activities too and would like to continue to explore this in the future.

You have collaborated with notable artists and brands, such as K-Pop groups and Kylie Jenner’s cosmetics. How do you leverage digital tools or AI in these collaborative environments to meet the specific demands of each project? Can you share a particular instance where technology played a vital role in your contributions to a high-profile shoot or campaign?

Clients' orders are always sudden and often need to be finished in a few days, so a quick response is necessary. By utilizing digital technology, I think the speed and quality of outputting the design accurately meets our needs, and by viewing the design in 3D, I think it is easier to visualize the finished product than before.

In an industry where trends evolve rapidly, you must stay innovatively inspired. How do you integrate AI or digital platforms to explore and analyze emerging beauty trends, and how does this information inform your artistic vision and decision-making in your work?

I think that one something becomes a trend in the world, it is consumed, so I do not follow it too closely, but rather create original works by mixing the information and trends that I have unconsciously accumulated in my mind through SNS and every sources, with things that I have explored and explored on my own.

As you look toward the future of your artistic practice, what new technologies, particularly involving AI and digital software, are you excited to explore? How do you envision these tools shaping the next phase of your work as a hair and makeup artist and designer, especially regarding creativity and collaboration?

I wonder if I would like to use video-generating AI and other technologies to move my creations online and collaborate with online games. And in the futureI hope that the materials used for 3D printers will be more environmentally friendly, and that the products I create will not harm the environment even if they are handed down to future generations, just like traditional Japanese crafts.

Interview by @mirawanderlust

Image Courtesy @hitomimatsuno

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