Francois Nars.

Narscosmetics.co.uk, (2015). François Nars. [online] Available at: https://narscosmetics.co.uk/en_GB/francois-nars.html [Accessed 25 Jan. 2015].

I wanted to begin with my research on the creative director and founder of NARS cosmetics, Francois Nars. Having gown up in the south of France he was obsessed by European and Hollywood cinema and reading his mothers Vogue religiously. With his love of makeup and photography he went on to train at  the Cartia School, beauty school in Paris.

''Francois Nars’ rapid ascent in the fashion world reflected talent, hard work, and uncommon vision. His approach to makeup was and still is revolutionary: to use makeup to explore the depths and nuances of individual character. Designers like Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, and Versace admired his ability to create iconic looks, both highly theatrical and ultra-natural, that engaged in compelling dialogue with their designers.''*

Moving to New York in 1984 his frustration with the lack of products available for professional makeup artists, in 1994 he launched a 12 piece highly pigmented essential lipstick colour range in Barney's New York under the Shiseido umbrella. 

''The collection immediately captured the imagination of women with its brilliantly designed packaging and rich color palette.''*

In 1996 Francois Nars began advertising the brand photographing all the campaigns himself since Francois has published four books on his photography discovering his passion and talent within this area. He shoots his campaigns with the same visionary as his makeup philosophy.

''his photographs are elevated, modern, and classically beautiful, his embrace of strong, unique faces and ethnic diversity has helped transform industry standards, by challenging and expanding traditional definitions of beauty.''*

*Creative Exchange Agency, (2015). Creative Exchange Agency. [online] Available at: http://www.creativeexchangeagency.com/artists/photography/fran-ois-nars/bio [Accessed 25 Jan. 2015].

In 2000 Francois Nars sold his company to Shiseido remaining an essential driver of the NARS brand and continues to collaborate on design of the packaging, advertising and stand alone stores. Francois brought a private island Motu Tane off the coast of Tahiti he has spent the past 10 years with drawn form the fashion world photographing his own island the images are celebrated for their vibrant interplay with colour and form. In 2009 he returned to created the look for good friend Marc Jacobs A/W Catwalk show. 

Mail Online, (2013). Make-up artist Francois Nars opens up his private island in new book. [online] Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2449878/Make-artist-Francois-Nars-opens-French-Polynesia-island-new-book.html [Accessed 25 Jan. 2015].