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The Fall 2009 campaign, photographed by François Nars in New York City, features Canadian model-on-the-rise Heather Marks. Since she first debuted
at Givenchy’s couture show in 2003, Marks steadily climbed the fashion
ranks, accruing big-name campaigns and coveted editorials and covers
along the way.
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Best known for her doll-like appearance - a heart-shaped
face, platter-size blue eyes and golden blonde hair - Marks was an obvious
choice for NARS’ latest campaign. “Since I was very much inspired by Lolita
this season,” says Nars, “I was looking for a model who could represent
the modern, independent woman, but who also had a girlish, innocence
about her.”
As inspiration for his artistic vision,
Nars referenced both the
coquettish innocence of Lolita, and the sophisticated sensuality of Catherine
Deneuve in Belle du Jour to conjure a beauty formula that is “very sexy, but at
the same time ultra-elegant.” The combination of strength and refinement has
become a hallmark of NARS, and is particularly fitting this season as the brand
celebrates its 15th anniversary.
This edgy, alluring look begins with the ultimate bedroom eyes. A harmony of
champagne and charcoal eyeshadow hues built to a sultry finish. A soft sheer
complexion invigorated with a sculpted, flushed cheek. The primary focal points:
bold, deep-plum-tinted lips and tips. The result is charming, glamorous, and
resolutely modern. In other words, completely NARS.
Q&A WITH FRANÇOIS NARS
What look are you conveying for Fall?
I wanted a collection that reflected the modern woman - very fragile and strong
at the same time. The Fall colors can be used in a multitude of ways; to create
strong eyes and muted lips, or the opposite, pale eyes and a strong pout. I don’t
tell women what to wear; I provide different options for them to choose from.
Why did you choose Heather Marks for the campaign?
I loved her unusual face. She is very edgy and beautiful at the same time
- definitely a “NARS girl!” Her gorgeous blue eyes and full lips really make the
collection pop.
What is your favorite color combination for this collection?
I love all the strong shimmery eye shades... They are so rich in pigment! I
especially liked the pairing of the Fast Ride Lipstick, Silk Road Duo Eyeshadow
and Mekong Single Eyeshadow on Heather for the campaign image. It looked
so sophisticated and polished.
You live between New York and Tahiti - how do your two different bases
influence your work differently?
I always need both. They are such wonderful places, and so inspiring! In Tahiti,
it’s all about the beauty and colors in nature - they are so unique! New York is
great for creation because of its energy and culture with the arts, opera, and
museums.
What other cities or places around the world do you find inspirational,
and why?
There are so many. Just to name a few - Paris, of course, because of its beauty
and culture, Rome because of its unique lifestyle and people, and Tokyo
because it is so modern, it has the most amazing energy and is so technology
oriented.
Who has influenced you most in your work as a makeup artist and
photographer?
My mother and my grandmother. Growing up, I was always captivated by
magazines. I can remember being 10 years old and reading them. I learned
much about photography by looking at the magazines, and without doubt, they
were a great influence in who I am today.
About the Collection:
FAST RIDE LIPSTICK
NARS doesn’t shy away from dramatic color innovation. “The NARS woman
may have a very classical look,” says Nars, “but she still likes to stay on the edge,
and remain in touch with fashion.” This seemingly dark purple may intimidate,
but swipe it across the lips and its true shade is revealed: a sheer mulberry. A
color that falls somewhere between an intense plum wine stain, and a moody,
deep violet. The glossy grape hue is a playful, cool alternative to more common
dark lip color options - as Nars himself once quipped, “makeup shouldn’t
always be so serious.”
TOKAÏDO EXPRESS NAIL POLISH
This new hue is a cult classic in the making. Named after Japan’s most heavily
frequented high-speed rail route, this lacquer is an opulent blackened amethyst
doused with ultra-fine gold dust particles. It is a chic alternative to the traditional
polish palette, and a more current option for longtime devotees of black nail
lacquer. Hip but elegant, artistic but wearable, Tokaido Express will be Fall’s
ultimate object of desire for the most style savvy.
SILK ROAD DUO EYESHADOW
This new shade mirrors the hues from traditional damask fabrics. Classic meets
edgy in this new duo - an icy pink is paired with a warm rose gold with golden
flecks. When applied to the lids, the effortlessly exotic effect is part old school
Byzantine empress, part modern-day “it” girl.
BRUMES DUO EYESHADOW
These new hues perfectly capture the moody shades of a cool twilight sky.
Brumes pairs a velvety matte charcoal with a sparkling, blue slate for a smoky
eye that is both confident and serene.
INDIAN SUMMER DUO EYESHADOW
A typical Indian summer comes as a surprise, balmy sunshine meets brisk fall.
Swipe the summery, frosted champagne shimmer up to the brow, and line the
upper lid with the autumnal deep, matte mustard for a striking look, appropriate
for every season.
MEKONG EYESHADOW
This is the perfect addition to the NARS woman’s adventurous palette. The
intense, blackened espresso hue scattered with rose gold is a study in contrasts.
Applied liberally across the lid it exudes a sexy attitude, or applied lightly, a
simple, fashion-forward sophistication.
