Nicolas Ghesquière: Shaping Fashion | Episode 6: Dame Pat McGrath | LOUIS VUITTON

Summary

This transcript captures a deep and reflective conversation between two creatives, a fashion designer and a makeup artist, as they share their journeys and the evolution of their collaborative work. They discuss their initial encounters, inspirations, and the continuous exploration of beauty through their craft. From bold, experimental makeup looks to the freedom of self-expression in fashion, they reflect on the artistic process that fuels their ongoing partnership. They also touch on memorable projects and upcoming launches, highlighting their shared passion for innovation and the limitless possibilities in their creative endeavors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first meeting between the two artists was an unforgettable moment filled with both intimidation and instant connection, despite not knowing each other well at the time.
• 😀 The creative collaboration between fashion design and makeup artistry is grounded in artistic freedom and experimentation, allowing both to explore bold and new ideas.
• 😀 One artist shares their childhood story of being forced to shop for makeup with their mother, which ignited a lifelong passion for fashion and makeup.
• 😀 The relationship between fashion and beauty has evolved, with both fields embracing more freedom and flexibility, moving away from strict rules to allow for more personal expression.
• 😀 Both artists prioritize pushing boundaries in their work but aim to do so in a way that is not forceful, always leaving room for natural expression and surprise.
• 😀 A key aspect of their creative partnership is the ability to experiment and perfect ideas weeks in advance, providing ample time to explore concepts before finalizing looks.
• 😀 Makeup as a form of self-expression is emphasized, with both artists celebrating the power of makeup to reflect different identities and personalities, from bold and rebellious to natural and elegant.
• 😀 The artists share their excitement about working together on various collections, including the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, which embraced fearlessness and bold cultural statements.
• 😀 A memorable makeup look was created for a fashion show where mirrored lips were used, symbolizing the merging of design and makeup to create a cohesive, striking vision.
• 😀 The collaboration between fashion and makeup is described as a continuous process of new beginnings, where both artists have the freedom to experiment, dream, and turn their ideas into reality.

Q & A

How did the speaker first meet Pat, and how did they feel about the encounter?

The speaker first met Pat at a Japanese restaurant while on holiday with their best friend. They were intimidated at first, as they had been dreaming of meeting and working with Pat. Despite the initial nervousness, the speaker felt as if they had known Pat their whole life.

What is the dynamic between the speaker and Pat during their collaborations?

The speaker and Pat have a continuous artistic dialogue, creating a unique aesthetic vocabulary. The speaker enjoys the surprise and experimentation that comes with their collaborations, as there is always an element of surprise and no room for boredom. They work together closely, exchanging ideas and pushing boundaries.

What influenced the speaker's passion for makeup and fashion?

The speaker's mother was obsessed with fashion and makeup, and as a child, the speaker was forced to shop for makeup with her. This routine, which involved looking at patterns, fabrics, and makeup, led to the speaker's deep love for fashion. The speaker also had walls covered with shoes, bags, clothing, and makeup, creating a mood board of sorts from a young age.

What role does experimentation play in the creative process for the speaker and Pat?

Experimentation is central to the speaker and Pat's creative process. The speaker appreciates the freedom to explore different looks and ideas, whether they are pushing boundaries with bold, experimental makeup or creating more natural, refined looks. This experimentation is encouraged by Pat's open approach and the time given for testing ideas.

What significance does the speaker place on the makeup and beauty industry's evolution?

The speaker values the freedom in today's beauty industry, where individuals can experiment with both natural and bold makeup looks. Unlike the past, where beauty standards were more rigid, the speaker celebrates the current trend of diverse self-expression and the ability to choose between extreme or natural beauty styles.

How did the makeup for the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection reflect the vision for the show?

The Autumn/Winter 2019 collection was described as 'fearless' by the speaker. The makeup featured bold, smoked-out eyes, intense blush on the cheeks, and rich red lips. This collection sought to merge the 70s and 80s influences while maintaining a modern edge, showcasing a mix of boldness and elegance.

How did the makeup for the Spring/Summer 2020 collection stand out?

For the Spring/Summer 2020 collection, the makeup focused on strong lips, with a special emphasis on creating a unique structure for the lips. The speaker remembers the show as emotional, with an intent to celebrate trans identity and honor Sophie, a model who passed away. The bold lip and natural makeup balance were key elements.

What was the unique aspect of the Autumn/Winter 2023 collection's makeup?

The Autumn/Winter 2023 collection featured the use of mirrors in the makeup design. The mirrors were placed under the eyes, reflecting different spaces and adding a futuristic element to the show. The speaker and Pat wanted to create a unique and striking look that combined futuristic design with wearable, practical fashion.

What was the vision behind the makeup for the Spring/Summer 2024 collection?

The Spring/Summer 2024 collection focused on a more natural and beautiful makeup look, with soft, smoky eyes and glowing skin. The aim was for every model to appear radiant and fresh, aligning with the speaker’s desire to make everyone look beautiful in a more natural way.

What excites the speaker and Pat about their upcoming collaboration for the LV Beauty launch?

The speaker and Pat are excited about their collaboration with LV Beauty because it offers an opportunity to write a new story together. They look forward to unveiling beautiful, innovative, and luxurious creations, knowing that their partnership will bring something fresh and exciting to the beauty world.