It only takes a quick scroll through your Insta feed to see that now more than ever we’re living in a world where individuality, diversity and authenticity are more than just encouraged, they’re celebrated.
When it comes to living life on your terms, Designer Brands (DB) Cosmetics walks the talk as a real designer beauty brand for real people. With a dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices, DB put real people centre stage in 2023 as the heroes of the story with a nationwide search for unsigned talent, then featured eight new faces in DB’s acclaimed “I Design Me” campaign.
Now DB is gearing up again in collaboration with talent agency ICON Management, to unearth “real” Australians with a strong understanding of who they are and a compelling story to share. marie claire asked two of last year’s winners, Geegee Abernethy and Mikey Sakinofsky, to share their experience as Unsigned Model Search winners.
Geegee Abernethy
How will you continue using your platform to inspire others?
“It’s an amazing opportunity to represent DB Cosmetics, a brand that celebrates diversity, individuality, and self-expression. This is my chance to use my platform to inspire others, to be the face and body I never saw in the beauty and fashion industry when I was growing up, and to contribute to a broader conversation about beauty and self-confidence.
Additionally, being a brand ambassador means embracing and promoting DB Makeup’s mission, which includes offering high-quality makeup at affordable prices. Let’s be real, in this economy, I can’t be spending $50 plus on every single makeup product!”
What are your favourite DB products and why do you love them?
“These are my go-to for all kinds of makeup looks, whether it’s a no-makeup look, a full glam style, or anything in between.
The DB Sweet Cheeks Liquid Blush in Strawberry. This blush gives my complexion a beautiful, rosy natural glow without being too pink. It enhances my features rather than overshadowing them.
And the DB Hi-Light Illuminating Beauty Wand in Champagne Fizz. Better get your sunglasses out because this liquid highlighter is BLINDING. I love the glow and dewy look it gives; it’s a signature look of mine.”
Mikey Sakinofsky
What does it mean to you to be one of the “I Design Me” faces?
“It means the world to me. But even more than that, it means the world to my community. Being featured in such an incredible campaign, on such a large scale, being seen by so many and in such a beautiful light with a company that is putting in the real work is truly a gift.
The messages I have received from trans and gender-diverse youth, sharing how hopeful and seen it makes them feel as well as messages from elders in my community about how healing it is to see what they wish they had seen growing up. It is hard not to get emotional knowing I am being what I always wanted as a child, in a way it is healing for myself. I truly cannot thank ICON and DB enough and I cannot wait to be a force for more change and diversity!”
How will you continue to use your platform?
“I want to keep using my platform as a showcase of queer, trans, gender diverse and Jewish excellence. Highlighting the infinite forms we as humans can take, and how valid we should be in commercial and high visibility spaces within media and the arts. Not just those that the conservative lenses can tolerate, but ones like me that push the boundaries of beauty and can reach further and continue to influence and shine a light on all individuals.”
What are your favourite DB products and why do you love them?
“The empty tubes of the new and soon to be released DB Complexion Drops in my bin speak to my obsession. It’s the perfect natural bronze and glow that everyone needs in their life, especially in these winter months.
Also, the Eye See You eyeshadow palette in Coco Loco. Perfect for any occasion.”
The Unsigned Model Search Is Back For 2024
The DB x ICON Unsigned Model Search is on now, with applications open until Sunday 26 September. This year’s entrants will be vying for a spot in the new DB Cosmetics “I Design Me” campaign for 2025.
People over the age of 18 of all sizes, identifications, ethnicities and abilities are encouraged to apply. The selection panel will be looking for individuals who live their lives true to their identity every day. They embrace what makes them different and the beauty of uniqueness and individuality.
Winners will become one of the faces of the new Designer Brands “I Design Me” campaign. They will also win a portfolio shoot and 3-year modelling contract with ICON Management, 12-month marie claire subscription, $500 cash and $500 worth of Designer Brands product.
Want to know more? To get the full rundown, dates, terms and conditions, visit the Designer Brands Unsigned Search page.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
