Morphe Cosmetics, also known as Morphe Brushes[1] and legally known as Morphe Holdings (stylized as MORPHE), is a Los Angeles-cosmetics and beauty manufacturer founded in 2008. The company specializes in direct-to-consumer distribution of beauty and personal care products through digital retail, leveraging partnerships with social media influencers.[1][2] Morphe has severed ties with multiple partners following controversies involving several influencers.[1]
In August 2019, Morphe Holdings announced a new partnership with General Atlantic, which acquired a majority stake in the company[3]. The additional terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Morphe' existing shareholders continued to be investors in the company.[4][5]
On January 5, 2023, Morphe announced on social media that all its U.S. stores would close immediately, citing criticism of employee working conditions and a shift to focus more on their digital storefront, A week later, on January 12, 2023, Morphe's parent company, Forma Brands, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.[6] At that time, Morphe owed YouTube stars and beauty influencers Jaclyn Hill $2 million and Jeffree Star $1.4 million in unsecured claims.[7] In March 2023, Morphe′s main creditors bought Forma for $690 million. [8]
Partnerships
Morphe partnered with Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star but severed ties with them in 2020. This decision came amid online criticism of the brand following a feud between beauty vloggers Tati Westbrook and James Charles, as well as accusations of racism against Star.[1][3][9][10]
Morphe initially collaborated with James Charles in 2017[11], producing two palettes of eyeshadows[3]. However, the company cut ties with Charles in 2021 in response to calls for a boycott after he admitted to inappropriately texting two 16-year-old boys when he was in his early 20s[1].
Other noticeable partnerships for Morphe include collaborations with Manny Gutierrez, Nikita Dragun, Jaclyn Hill, Maddie Ziegler, Avani Gregg, Madison Beer, Jackie Aina, Charli D'Amelio, Dixie D'Amelio, and Bretman Rock[1][3][9][12][13]. In addition, Morphe collaborated with Coca-Cola in 2020 and 2021[14].
References
- ^ a b c d e f Tenbarge, Kat. "Makeup lovers are boycotting Morphe as the brand stays silent on James Charles sexting allegations". Business Insider. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Morphe LLC". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg. Retrieved 19 October 2019.[primary source]
- ^ a b c d Collins, Allison (6 November 2019). "James Charles Talks Shifting Influencer Sphere, Morphe and Launching His Own Beauty Brand". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Morphe Holdings and General Atlantic Announce Partnership and Strategic Growth Investment". General Atlantic. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ Brumpton, Harry (18 July 2019). "General Atlantic nears acquisition of beauty brand Morphe". Reuters. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Morphe parent company Forma Brands files for bankruptcy". 2023-01-12. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
- ^ "Morphe's parent company has filed for bankruptcy after influencer-fueled rise alongside Jeffree Star, James Charles in the late aughts". Insider.com.
- ^ "Bankrupt Morphe Owner Acquired by Lenders for $690 Million". 29 March 2023.
- ^ a b Russo, Gianluca (11 July 2020). "Morphe Has Officially Dropped Jeffree Star Cosmetics". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Chung, Gabrielle (10 July 2020). "Jeffree Star Dumped by Morphe Cosmetics Amid Mounting Criticism of the Makeup Mogul". People Magazine. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Collins, Allison (7 December 2018). "Influence Peddler: James Charles: Beauty's Next Consultant?". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Olson, Samantha (13 April 2021). "Charli and Dixie D'Amelio Are Releasing 'Go To Faves' Makeup Kits With Morphe 2". Seventeen. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Dall'Asen, Nicola (25 June 2020). "Maddie Ziegler Made a Makeup Line That's Just as Cute as It Is Durable". Allure. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ Moore, Zoe (4 May 2021). "Morphe launching Coca-Cola makeup collab". ABC News. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
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