For as long as fashion and beauty have been alive and well in popular culture, the overlap between the two has been inextricable, but the connection is arguably clearer today than ever. From the industry-breaking Rhode phone case to the best-selling Stanley Cup x e.l.f. minis, beauty brands everywhere are proudly making their foray into the fashion world—and Smashbox Cosmetics is officially getting in on the fun.

Known for its high-performance, bold makeup products and celebrity fans and ambassadors like the iconic Pamela Anderson, the legendary brand has owned the beauty space for years and its recent collaboration with Mexican-based fashion brand Ilka only expands the brand’s industry impact and emphasizes its mission. We’re diving deeper ahead.

Smashbox x Ilka: An Unexpected Yet Fitting Collaboration

This week, Smashbox announced its latest collaboration with Mexican-based fashion brand Ilka, marking its official entrance into the beauty merchandise space. The collection features four limited-edition handbags that merge the brand identities of Smashbox and Ilka, featuring “Smashbox’s signature branding and Ilka’s iconic fringe detailing,” a joint statement from the brand explains.

The collaboration emphasizes Smashbox’s brand mission to highlight and empower emerging artists. “Smashbox has always used its platform to spotlight emerging talent across fashion, art and music,” Smashbox’s Global Pro Lead Artist, Lori Taylor Davis, explains. “We are always looking for opportunities to highlight local talent in the regions where Smashbox is present.”

The collaboration was born after Smashbox brand leaders Felix Backhaus and Lauren Aja visited Mexico City and “were inspired by the creativity we encountered… and saw an opportunity to collaborate with local talent,” said Aja. “This collaboration is about more than just handbags—at Smashbox, we celebrate beauty and innovation in all forms.”