While at art school there were two make-up artists who inspired me to entertain the idea of turning my love of colour, painting and fashion into a trade other than design: the late, great Kevyn Aucoin and
Francois Nars. Kevyn Aucoin was freelance at the time; too busy painting the faces of the most beautiful girls for the most prestigious photographers, editors and designers; his make-up range was still in the concept stage. Nars, on the other hand, had given up the daily grind – committing to select ‘options’ only - in order to focus on parlaying his considerable talent and know-how into a highly sought-after make-up brand.
Despite his reputation being of the highest order, Nars’ foray into the world of cosmetics was marked by relatively humble beginnings. In 1994, rather than release an entire collection, he started by selling a small range of lipsticks only (twelve in all) to Barneys department store. Success ensued, and thus without much prompting, development of NARS as we know it began.
In 1996 he photographed and released his first advertising campaign – he has shot each and every campaign since – and in 1999 released
X-ray, a tome featuring beautifully made-up celebrities and supermodels dressed in drag, designer garb or not much at all. In 2001 his second book, again illustrating both his make-up and photography skills, was published. An instructional flipbook of sorts,
Makeup Your Mind guides us, step-by-step, through the coveted world of NARS products and techniques.
On November 12th a third book will be released to coincide with the fifteenth anniversary of NARS. The book
15x15 features fifteen of Nars’ favourite celebrities - from Marc Jacobs to Naomi Campbell – shot in situations and costuming inspired by names of his products. A limited edition print run will see the book only available for 30 days and all proceeds going to charity. Be quick now, I assure you, copies won't last.