Fashion Week: BBJ Backstage at Thakoon

Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics created the makeup look on Monday at Thakoon. A very "Keira Knighly" smoky eye was the main focus of the look. The collection took inspiration from the 1940’s, reflecting the surrealist images of photographer Lee Miller. Combined with a bit of 80’s rock and roll glam, Diane Kendal created a not-too-girly, strong look.

“The look is all about the eyes with soft matte lips for contrast,” said Diane Kendal. To bring strength to the face, Diane focused on creating smoky eyes and full brows, while downplaying the lips and keeping skin fresh with a light brushing of blush for a healthy glow.

Here's how to recreate the look:

Face

Use NARSskin Hydrating Moisture Cream to moisturize entire face

Apply NARS Concealer as needed, to cover any imperfections

Use a minimal amount of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (NEW for Fall 2009)

Lightly stroke NARS Blush in Gilda on the apples of the cheek

Eyes

Use NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Mambo to line upper lashes and crease

Blend over entire lid and up to brows, keeping dense color by lashline

With Mambo, line lower lashes and gently blend

Use NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali to fill in brows

Draw a very thin line on upper lashes with NARS Eyeliner Stylo in Black (NEW for Fall 2009)

Curl lashes with NARS Eyelash Curler

Lips

Apply NARS Lip Therapy Treatment in Rain to entire lip

Lightly pat a small amount of NARS Concealer over Rain to take down color

Eugene Souleiman created an updo that was tight and structured in the front, yet soft and loose in the back. Unfortunately, backstage at Thakoon was a ZOO, so I didn't have a chance to interview him. I'm into the special profile this look boasts. See pic to the left for the full effect of the sweeping deep side part that folds into the updo.






CND provided the time-intensive faux nails (pictured, left) used at Thakoon. The two colors involved were custom blends that can be compared to CND Beige Kiss and CND Voodoo. Each was handmade, one by one.

Image credit: Beauty Blogging Junkie
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François Nars Leads Makeup Team at Marc Jacobs

After a ten-year hiatus, François Nars, founder and creative director of NARS Cosmetics, returned to the fashion runway by leading the makeup direction for Marc Jacobs’ Autumn/Winter 2009 show.

It included working with 65 models, and creating 65 different makeup looks. Check one of the many that I liked most pictured at left. I imagine REDKEN's Guido (lead stylist for hair for Marc Jacobs) had his work cut out for him with regard to the myriad of hair looks as well.

Nars’ unexpected return to fashion week can be attributed solely to Marc Jacobs. “We’ve known each other since the beginning so it was really fun to work with Marc again. I really love what he does,” said Nars.

TREND: Night clubbing – theatrical makeup – strong eyes, porcelain skin

Inspiration: The Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 collection paid homage to the New York night club scene of the 1970s and ‘80s. Drawing inspiration from these decades and the works of Sprouse, St. Laurent, and Halston, François Nars took into consideration each model’s individual beauty before creating a separate edgy look, reminiscent of the past but still very modern. "We are doing quite an eclectic look," he said. The inspiration for diversity came from Nars’ book XRAY. “[Marc] wanted to keep that feeling,” said Nars, “the variety of looks, the same way we do the campaigns for NARS.” Overall, it was important that each girl look beautiful, even with strong theatrical looks. Much like the fashion, Nars emphasized having fun with makeup for the coming year, despite the times we live in- “It’s a good antidote.” Francois, I like your attitude!

Strong eyes and bold color were a major theme. Black shadow laid the foundation for creating the dramatic eye, to which the artists added cobalt blues, deep greens, bright purples, reds, fuchsias, and glitter. See the photo of the various NARS colors used, left. “There is a wide variety of color,” said Nars, “it’s whatever looks good on the girl.” For many of the models, porcelain skin was a key component, allowing the black eyes and bright colors to pop.

“You want to play with makeup,” says Nars, “makeup is a great accessory - that is the message.”

Image credit: NARS Cosmetics

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