Does Kat Von D Still Own Kat Von D? (Spoiler: Nope, She’s Gone Vegan… Literally!)
Okay, let’s get real. If you’re asking this question, you’re probably either a die-hard KVD fan reminiscing about the good ol’ days of those awesome liquid lipsticks, or you’re just trying to navigate the confusing world of beauty brands and their ever-changing ownership structures.
The short answer? Nope, Kat Von D doesn’t own Kat Von D Beauty anymore. She sold her shares of the company to Kendo, its parent company, in 2020. What’s even more ironic? They renamed it KVD Vegan Beauty – a move that could be seen as a hilarious twist of fate given her controversial past.
So, What Happened?
It’s like that old saying: “All good things must come to an end.” Kat Von D, the tattooed queen of beauty, decided to step back from her empire to pursue other creative interests. She said it was time to “step down as founder” and “turn it all over to Kendo.”
Now, Kendo, the parent company, is owned by none other than LVMH, the same powerhouse behind brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Sephora. So, basically, Kat Von D sold her baby to a beauty giant.
But why? Well, it seems that Kat Von D had a bit of a PR nightmare. Let’s just say her outspoken views on certain topics didn’t exactly sit well with everyone. Her brand, which had been a darling of the beauty world, started to face some backlash.
It’s like she went from “Queen of the Ink” to “Queen of Controversy” overnight.
The Rebranding: From Kat Von D to KVD Vegan Beauty
In a move that could only be described as “bold” (or maybe “desperate”), Kendo decided to rebrand the company as KVD Vegan Beauty. They even changed the logo to a more minimalist design, ditching the gothic vibes of the original brand. This could be seen as a strategic move to distance themselves from the controversies surrounding Kat Von D and attract new customers who might be turned off by her past.
It’s like they’re saying, “We’re vegan now. Let’s forget about the past and focus on the future!”
But, hey, at least they’re staying true to their roots – the products are still vegan.
What’s Next for Kat Von D?
Kat Von D seems to be embracing a new chapter in her life. She’s moved to Indiana, closed her Los Angeles tattoo shop, and is focusing on her other passions, like motherhood and art.
So, while she might not be the face of her old brand anymore, she’s still making waves in the world.
The Takeaway
This whole situation is a fascinating case study in the power of branding, the importance of public image, and the ever-changing landscape of the beauty industry.
It’s a reminder that even the most successful brands are vulnerable to change.
But hey, at least we can still get our hands on those awesome liquid lipsticks, right?
Just remember, they’re now called “KVD Vegan Beauty.”
And if you see Kat Von D at the grocery store, don’t be surprised if she’s sporting a cruelty-free tote bag and a big, vegan smile.
