Artistic Director, Lola Cosmetics
Klexius Kolby’s artistic journey began growing up in East L.A. As a young boy, Klexius would watch in fascination as the women in his home transformed themselves through the simple daily ritual of putting on makeup. The ability to become someone new without losing a sense of self became the inspiration and essence of his newfound art. Through the art of make-up, Klexius was able to channel his passion for transformation and it allowed him to dream of a future transcending all personal and cultural barriers.
Today, Klexius is one out of a handful of makeup artists to have lasted almost a quarter century in a highly competitive industry. In 1989, Klexius began his professional career by assisting some of the biggest make-up artists in the business. Klexius worked with Michael Jackson for nine years, traveling the world with Mr. Jackson on tour and working on his music videos. Through his experience with Michael Jackson, Klexius learned the true meaning of perfection, an ideal that he strives for daily.
After venturing out on his own, Klexius founded the International Agency of Design and Cosmetics (IADC) in April 2000. Through IADC, he continued his work on tours, award shows, and music videos for various top artists. He consulted for Revlon Japan, Elizabeth Arden, and Kevyn Aucoin and was a personal consultant to Isidore Aucoin, Kevyn Aucoin’s father. When Klexius was approached by Lola Cosmetics with an offer to become Makeup Artistic Director, he felt that his journey had reached full circle, bringing him back to the creative passion that first inspired him.
Lola Cosmetics chose Klexius because his philosophy and style meshed perfectly with their own mission; to give every woman beauty tools to venture out of their comfort zone with confidence. As Lola’s Makeup Artistic Director, he is responsible for developing ideas for new products and campaigns, spearheading the seasonal launches of new products, and creating a global presence for Lola Cosmetics.
Klexius splits his time between his passion project at Lola and his work on music videos, fashion and commercial shoots, red carpet events, runway shows, and editorials. Klexius’ several achievements and awards include his VH-1 "Best Make-Up" award for Janet and Michael Jackson's "Scream" music video, MVPAs (Music Video Production Awards) for "Best Make-Up" for his design work on Janet Jackson's "Son of A Gun" [along with Billy B. and Fran Cooper], and also "Best Special Effects Make-Up" for Aerosmith's "Jaded.” He was also nominated for his work on Madonna’s Drowned World Tour HBO special.
Having worked with Eva Mendes, Molly Sims, Charlize Theron, Madonna, Ricky Martin, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul, Gary Oldman, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Lopez, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Shakira, and many others, he has created a niche in the industry by making his clients look their most beautiful, without making them look overly made up. His style ranges from minimalist to the most avant-garde and is well known for restructuring the face through simple techniques, coupled with a sophisticated finesse.
Klexius brings his intensive knowledge, ambition and ingenuity to the table at Lola Cosmetics, where he doesn’t want to follow trends, but create them.
It is a perfect match made in make-up heaven. Like the slogan reads, “What Lola Wants, Lola Gets,” and Lola got Klexius Kolby.