15x15 Project by François Nars

Fifteen years ago, François Nars made the transition from make-up artist to beauty entrepreneur with a collection of 12 lipsticks. Flash-forward to today and Nars continues to produce some of the most obsessed-about cosmetics (think back to the ‘Multiple’, an all-over cream colour stick in that infamous shade of ‘Orgasm'. Even the characteristic black rubber packaging, created by Fabien Baron back in 1994, still packs its original punch.

In celebration of his 15 influential years in the business, Nars has this month released a limited edition tome of 15 portraits - each inspired by one of his personality-driven products.

Working as both photographer and make-up artist, Nars persuaded 15 of his nearest and dearest, including the likes of Marc Jacobs, Naomi Campbell and Olivier Theyskens, to act as his canvases.

Harking back to the heyday of 90s glamour, the evocative results - which include Isabella Rosselini referencing her role in Green Porno, wearing ‘Underworld Duo’ eye shadow - are not only testament to Nars’ modern, effortless approach to make-up, but also of the breadth of his enduring career.

In support of the project, each of Nars’ famous friends has also photographed their personal interpretation of the product they represent in the book. The results, together with the Nars portraits can all be viewed online.

30 November 2009 | Lifestyle