Last week our community lost one of the most iconic and groundbreaking artists in the industry. In honor of her memory we asked The Powder Group Director of Artistry to reflect on her career and his friendship with Ellis Faas. Thank you James for your powerful words and for sharing such impactful memories of Ellis. You can read James piece below and continuing at www.onmakeupmagazine.com
IN MEMORIAM: ELLIS FAAS
Words by James Vincent
Few people and even fewer artists have made such an impact on this beauty industry as Ellis Faas. Bold shapes, broad strokes, unexpected color choices, interesting placement and shape and unforgettable color and texture choices were as much a part of her makeup and photographs as was flawless skin. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of beauty and a humility that belies her accomplishments, Ellis was an artist’s artist. The news of her death left many artists, including myself, sharing stories about Ellis’ influence and impact on their art and career.
Vogue Paris has called Ellis Faas one of the most influential makeup artists of her generation. I knew of Ellis’ work and reputation long before I met the artist herself. Her images with photographers like Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier were pinned to my walls when I began my career. As a young assistant in New York City and backstage at international fashion weeks, I would save up money to buy Collections magazines to pour over her work on runway shows like Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana and Yves St. Laurent and try to practice her unique techniques. A decade ago I got the opportunity to interview Ellis for Beautylish and was fortunate enough to get to know Ellis, her brother Thijs, and the brand that would become a staple in my kit.
Ellis and I had our first meeting over Skype as she was in Amsterdam and I was in Berlin for work. We began to laugh when the video came up because we were both wearing sunglasses indoors due to the bright studio lights. That broke the ice and we began a conversation we would have over Skype for interviews on stages and in person in different cities and countries over the next decade. She never liked to talk about herself or her success but she loved to talk about art and inspiration.
To read the rest of the IN MEMORIAM: ELLIS FAAS feature CLICK HERE
