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The only man never to fail at giving a woman an orgasm—we’re talking blush here—François Nars has been redefining the face of beauty since the ’70s. Born in the south of France, Nars spent his childhood replicating the faces he found in Vogue in his notepad, paying specific attention to the way models wore their makeup. After honing his craft at Paris’s prestigious Carita Institute, he went on to assist industry legend Olivier Echaudemaison, before moving to New York, where he spent the next few years creating arresting and often iconoclastic images for Vogue and collaborating with designers like Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, and Versace. Thirty years since launching his eponymous brand, Nars’s unique approach to color, texture, and design remains as progressive and impactful as ever, and he will be the subject of a documentary by Lisa Immordino Vreeland, narrated by actor Charlotte Rampling.
Collaging film clips from more than 50 of his favorite movies with rare backstage footage from runway shows and shoots with Steven Meisel, Unknown Beauty: François Nars tells the story of the legendary makeup artist, photographer, and creative director of Nars Cosmetics. “Through this film, my intention was to offer viewers a glimpse into the very essence of what has fueled my creative journey throughout the years,” says Nars. “It was important to me to share the sources of inspiration—such as the time period between the 1970s and 1980s—that shaped my artistic vision.” Beyond that, the film is a celebration of the universal pursuit of beauty, one that still preoccupies Nars today.
Vogue sat down with the makeup maestro to discuss his unique vision of beauty and how he hopes to be remembered.
What inspired the documentary?
This documentary was driven by a desire to provide a more intimate and authentic portrayal of my life, and to share insight into the many things that have inspired me and shaped my creative journey. By pulling back the curtain, I hope to ignite a sense of wonder and fascination in viewers, and impart a sense of inspiration and encouragement to aspiring artists and creators.
You’re normally behind the lens; what prompted you to step in front of the camera? Why now specifically?
The team at Nars Cosmetics had been asking me for some time to work on a documentary. It was the right time to begin work on a film about my life. I knew at the very start that I didn’t want it to be a traditional documentary. Throughout my career, I have primarily worked behind the scenes, empowering and capturing the beauty of others, and I had no intention of deviating from that. I wanted to adopt a fresh perspective for this film—I decided to create a visual document that illuminated the driving force behind my lifelong pursuit of beauty.
Why was Lisa Immordino Vreeland the right person to tell this story?
Lisa’s work has always captivated me. She has a rich culture and a deep understanding and appreciation for the world of film, fashion, photography, art, and beauty. Her remarkable ability to capture the essence of her subjects and convey their stories in a visually stunning and emotionally rich way is incomparable. Each of her documentaries has a unique narrative, distinct from the previous ones. I have so much respect for her work. It has been nothing but an extraordinary experience working with her on this film.
When you look back on your career as told through the film, what feelings and emotions come to mind?
I feel a deep appreciation for the incredible opportunities I had, the creative freedom, and the ability to pursue my passion in the world of beauty [and] fashion. I am immensely grateful to my parents for their support, their unconditional love, and for pushing me in following my dreams. It is also not a secret that I hold a touch of nostalgia for the glamorous and iconic 1970s, a remarkable time in history long gone. Of course, there is a sense of pride in the journey I have taken, from my early beginnings to building the Nars brand: The joy of creating and seeing my ideas materialize into products, campaigns, and collaborations fills me with a profound sense of fulfillment. Above all, there is a deep love and passion for what I do. The ability to bring joy, confidence, and inspiration to individuals through the power of beauty is a tremendous privilege. I am grateful for every moment and every person who has been a part of it.
What were your key takeaways from making the documentary? Did it make you feel differently about your role within the industry?
Making the documentary offered me an opportunity to revisit pivotal moments in my life and career. It reminded me of the incredible talents I have had the privilege to work alongside and how these relationships have shaped my journey. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of art, film, beauty, and everything that has inspired me since I was a child. I do not believe the process of creating the documentary made me feel differently about my role within the industry, but rather emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision and embracing individuality. It reinforced my belief in the power of self-expression and the impact that can be made by challenging established norms and pushing boundaries.
How do you hope your work will be remembered?
I hope that my work will be remembered as a celebration of beauty, individuality, and self-expression. My goal has always been to empower women, people, individuals to embrace their unique beauty, and to feel confident in doing so. I hope to be remembered as someone who challenged conventional beauty norms, pushing boundaries and encouraging creativity.
Can beauty ever be known?
I believe the concept of beauty is deeply personal and can vary from person to person. To me, beauty extends beyond just makeup or a singular face. It encompasses all things beautiful on this planet–it can be found in a breathtaking landscape, a work of art, or a personality. Beauty exists in the eye of the beholder and is not something that can be known or universally defined. It has been an ongoing driving force in my life that persists to this day.