meet francois nars
Monday, June 13, 2011
Today I'm very excited that Francois Nars, one of the leading image makers in the world, has dropped by Trust Your Style. No doubt you have seen his editorial work with legendary fashion photographers such as Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchalier and Bruce Weber, which helped shape style icons such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Madonna.
Shalom Harlow shot by Francois in celebration of the 15th anniversary of his brand NARS.
His work has also been featured on the runways of designers such as Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Karl Lagerfeld, as well as on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Italian Vogue, W, Elle, and Allure. Today, Francois is an acclaimed photographer and makeup artist whose beauty line NARS, infamously packaged in black rubber, has been a cult classic sensation since it first hit the shelves of Barney's over 15 years ago.
One of the perks of my job as a beauty editor is that I recently had the pleasure of reading Francois' newest book, Makeup Your Mind. This really cool book is more than images of beautiful people.
Capturing the faces, bone structure and skin type of every day people with his clean and modern photographic style, women are shown barefaced and then transformed by makeup, with a clear overlay showing how and where to apply makeup to attain these results. Because it breaks down sophisticated looks into easy basics, I truly think this is a classic must-have beauty book that every woman should acquire!
Francois, who divides his busy schedule between New York City and his private island in Tahiti, was kind enough to take the time and answer a few questions for Trust Your Style readers. Enjoy!
mj: What is your style philosophy?
francois: Be true to yourself. Don’t try and become someone else. Be yourself.
mj: Who are the people who have influenced your style?
francois: My mother, my grandmother and Greta Garbo.
mj: Who are some of your favorite designers and why?
Marc Jacobs photographed by Nars
francois: Yves Saint Laurent. He was somebody exceptional and someone who really inspired me from the beginning of my career. Somebody extremely bright. Marc Jacobs is also one of the most influential designers today.
mj: What up and coming makeup trends do you have your eye on and why?
francois: Confident, fashion-forward and graphic looks. Fall is the perfect time to play with dramatic shades, bold color and rich textures, like a bright blue eye or a stormy gray nail. I like the look of a bright blue eye and a pale pink lip, achieved with Outremer Eyeshadow and Pago Pago Lipstick. It’s striking and modern. Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is perfect for a deep aubergine lip to complement the softer colors of the Trio Eyeshadow.
mj: What are your favorite cities/places for creative inspiration?
francois: Inspiration comes from everywhere. From travel – places I’ve visited or I dream of visiting. I can’t travel everywhere so I travel through books, music and songs. Imagination is also very powerful. Much of my inspiration also comes from movies/cinema, from 1920’s up until today. And, of course, the opera, dance and ballet are a terrific source of inspiration for me.
Finally, nature plays a big role, especially my island in Bora Bora. Motu Tane inspires me a lot when it comes to creation of color. It puts me in a great mood. I come up with so many ideas when I am there.”
Thank you so much for stopping by Francois! Wishing you great success with your new book!
His work has also been featured on the runways of designers such as Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Karl Lagerfeld, as well as on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Italian Vogue, W, Elle, and Allure. Today, Francois is an acclaimed photographer and makeup artist whose beauty line NARS, infamously packaged in black rubber, has been a cult classic sensation since it first hit the shelves of Barney's over 15 years ago.
One of the perks of my job as a beauty editor is that I recently had the pleasure of reading Francois' newest book, Makeup Your Mind. This really cool book is more than images of beautiful people.
Capturing the faces, bone structure and skin type of every day people with his clean and modern photographic style, women are shown barefaced and then transformed by makeup, with a clear overlay showing how and where to apply makeup to attain these results. Because it breaks down sophisticated looks into easy basics, I truly think this is a classic must-have beauty book that every woman should acquire!
Francois, who divides his busy schedule between New York City and his private island in Tahiti, was kind enough to take the time and answer a few questions for Trust Your Style readers. Enjoy!
mj: What is your style philosophy?
francois: Be true to yourself. Don’t try and become someone else. Be yourself.
mj: Who are the people who have influenced your style?
francois: My mother, my grandmother and Greta Garbo.
mj: Who are some of your favorite designers and why?
francois: Yves Saint Laurent. He was somebody exceptional and someone who really inspired me from the beginning of my career. Somebody extremely bright. Marc Jacobs is also one of the most influential designers today.
mj: What up and coming makeup trends do you have your eye on and why?
francois: Confident, fashion-forward and graphic looks. Fall is the perfect time to play with dramatic shades, bold color and rich textures, like a bright blue eye or a stormy gray nail. I like the look of a bright blue eye and a pale pink lip, achieved with Outremer Eyeshadow and Pago Pago Lipstick. It’s striking and modern. Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is perfect for a deep aubergine lip to complement the softer colors of the Trio Eyeshadow.
mj: What are your favorite cities/places for creative inspiration?
francois: Inspiration comes from everywhere. From travel – places I’ve visited or I dream of visiting. I can’t travel everywhere so I travel through books, music and songs. Imagination is also very powerful. Much of my inspiration also comes from movies/cinema, from 1920’s up until today. And, of course, the opera, dance and ballet are a terrific source of inspiration for me.
Finally, nature plays a big role, especially my island in Bora Bora. Motu Tane inspires me a lot when it comes to creation of color. It puts me in a great mood. I come up with so many ideas when I am there.”
Thank you so much for stopping by Francois! Wishing you great success with your new book!
Labels: Francois Nars, Makeup Your Mind
posted by Mary Jo at TrustYourStyle at
Monday, June 13, 2011
I'm Mary Jo, a handbag designer living in sunny California. TrustYourStyle is where I share inspiration and connect with other style lovers. Did I mention I celebrate 
17 Comments:
Wonderful post, Mary Jo! His style philosophy is so simple, yet says so much. I guess that's the secret of style and style icons. I'm adding the book to my wishlist. :)
I will definitely have to check out his book! I really do love his philosophy and attitude -- definitely a true artist.
Fabulous interview..
love the images too
lee x
Great interview...love the inspiration from the 1920s.
xo
Alexa
www.theshortandthesweetofit.com
great interview Mary Jo!!!! I agree with the YSL as a major influential designer!
Nars? Wow, what a coup Mary Jo, thank you so much for this!
What an amazing artist he is! Such an inspirational interview...just fab! xo
I ADORE the Nars line - their products are so easy to wear and flattering. I may have to wander over the Amazon and put the book on my list!
What a fabulously glamorous post! Love all his words and the picture of Marc Jacobs is fantastic!
great post with content!
How fabulous! I love this interview. NARS has some of the best make-up out there. Such innovative colors. I really love their bright lipsticks! And love that he's inspired by Yves St. Laurent and Marc Jacobs!
spinning-threads.blogspot.com
f a b u l o u s! beyond wonderful to read this post. thanks, Mary Jo
Beautiful post, sweetie! Thank you so much for this incredible interview!
Happy Tuesday! xoxoxo
I love definitely LOVE MARC JACOBS!!
i would adore this book, since i love the nars line. the eye shadow and blush are so smooth. love this interview. and the photo of marc jacobs- classic.
xo
THIS is fantastic. What a great interview - simple -to the point - informative.
And I honestly always wondered who was the mastermind behind the fantastic {orgasm} blush that I've worn for a few years...
Looking forward to reading the book.
Nars makeup is one of my top three favorites. The colors are special.
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