Get the Look: Model Makeup

After a 10-year hiatus, François Nars marked his return to the fashion runway in a larger-than-life way by leading the makeup direction for Marc Jacobs autumn/winter 2009 show. It included working with 65 models, and creating 65 different makeup looks. Nars’s 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.

THE SHOW: Marc Jacobs

THE LEAD ARTIST: François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics

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

THE INSPIRATION: The Marc Jacobs fall 2009 collection paid homage to the New York nightclub scene of the 1970s and 1980s. 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. 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, saying, “It’s a good antidote.”

THE LOOK: Focusing on an edgy, New York nightlife look, 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. “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.”