call it curiosity, peeping, or even snooping, but between us, there is nothing more interesting than an exclusive glimpse into the fashion industry and a ticket to one of the most secretive and reserved areas – behind the scenes.
In the midst of Paris Fashion Week the guys from MAC Cosmetics gave me an impressive and remarkable experience, when they exposed me to their work and creative process at the Issey Miyake and Vivienne Westwood shows.
To be honest, I've never been behind the scenes and this exclusive place, to which I was invited, was especially intriguing. After all we're talking about the shows of two internationally renowned designers who became famous for their unusual flamboyant creativity, so I knew I was in for one very inspiring experience.
The first visit to the MAC makeup set, was behind the scenes of the Issey Miyake show and was set for 09:00 am at the other end of the city. I got up at 06:00 am (what did you think I partied in paris?) and after an hour in front of the mirror, in the attempt to create the most perfect face of makeup I could (…to save the embarrassment) and another hour in traffic, I reached the studio. Diederik Koenders – Director of Global Communications EMEA at MAC Cosmetics, one of the most interesting people I met during my visit to Paris, welcomed me and took me into the workspace.
Inside the space the makeup artists worked tirelessly, hand picked by the company from all over the world, just like the models sitting in front of them, and looked like the "coolest person of the year for 2016" award winners – moustaches, tattoos, scarves.. everything was there. Conducting this magnificent choir was make up artist Alex Box who conceived the idea for this distinct look that adorned the faces of the models – basic and fresh makeup with the addition of carefully placed white rings winding down along the face of the models. A look that completed the inspiration behind the collection – nature's life cycle, and complemented the catwalk which was also adorned with bright white lights.
My second visit to the MAC makeup studio was the next day, behind the scenes of the Vivien Westwood show. As opposed to the accuracy and consistency that characterized the Japanese designer's show, here the talent of the makeup artists and their ability to design a character using only makeup, really came to light. With a stroke of a brush, each model was transformed into cheeky, extroverted rockers. Some had a smear of bright colored eye shadow around their eyes, others were decorated with tattoos and there were those whose lipstick was smeared as if on a walk of shame after a passionate kiss (… Who would have thought that the walk of shame would one day become the hottest thing in Paris).
This visit with my very creative friends at MAC allowed me, for the first time, to see and appreciate the hard work of makeup artists, hair designers, stylists and models from close up. But most of all, it created opportunities for some interesting introductions and a special meeting with none other than Ms. Westwood herself … but there are things that should be kept backstage ;- )
thank you: MAC Cosmetics & Diederik Koenders
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: me :- )
