PRODUCED BY THE POWDER GROUP & METROPOLITAN PAVILION
AN INDUSTRY ONLY RESOURCE AND EDUCATIONAL GATHERING OF TOP ARTISTS, COSMETIC COMPANIES and SERVICES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL
PLUS: A CONVERSATION WITH ROSS BURTON...OPRAH's MAKE UP ARTIST OF CHOICE
Metropolitan Pavilion, West 18th Street NYC
PART I
May 17th and 18th 2009
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
We love this tradeshow---the access and the conversations that ensue, the up close, fingers in /brush dabbing/spraying product testing we subject our body parts to, the creativity of the makeup artists (special effects YEAH!!!), and the ability to follow-up on what’s new, what’s selling, the latest technology and the industry’s successful efforts to embrace the Green via healing/natural/organic ingredients and recycled packaging.
MEHRON by JINNY
The seminars, hands-on workshops, and business forums were packed this year…serving up how to’s ---- (fashion and theater makeup looks, HD perfection for the camera, career advice, the latest trends,etc)--- courtesy of the visionaries and expert practitioners like:
the engaging Gordon Espinet-a MAC Cosmetics VP,
Davis Factor, the articulate and passionate founder of Smashbox Photo Studios and Cosmetics,
the artistic dynamo Dany Sanz, Creative and Artistic Director of MAKE UP FOREVER, (and so French-oui oui, we love!)
(a packed seminar)
and the industry’s biggest supporter (IMHO) Michael Devellis…a guy who seemingly makes time for every query while running The Powder Group, a multi-faceted, “one-stop makeup and beauty concierge service and powerhouse resource” that publishes the glossy ON MAKEUP, produces said shows and other professional confabs like The Artist Summit in Miami/Chicago, offers sturdy portable packaging and the latest 9X9 makeup collections as selected by top makeup artists that capture Fall 09 trends(love James Vincent's palette.
Whew.
We covered a lot of ground this year- with exclusive interviews---(to follow). First off, we recount our lengthy (inspiring) chat with one of the main reasons the amazing American icon Oprah Winfrey looks so good (polished, elegant, refreshed and natural…and we doubt she gets a whole lot of sleep)…
ROSS BURTON. Who we might add, is fab looking himself. And FYI: he’s the former Lancome’s National Artistic Director.
“What brought me here is to support Michael and the Powder Group…to keep the spotlight on the makeup artist,” we learned when asked why he came during the television show’s hiatus. (Note: he was carrying a bag of products…but hey, watch Oprah for what gets annointed!!!).
Burton really appreciated how supportive the Makeup Show is for artists…and how important it is for these creative pros to stay updated and encouraged (nurtured in a manner of speaking)…which this event does in heavy doses.
“We are all family but live in different houses.” Burton remarked.
Other comments concerned makeup artists’ recognition… and we agree btw that Red Carpet strollers should credit their maquillage enablers. “It’s all about the great face” let alone that consumers “always want to know” what products celeb types are using. Attainability HELLO---cause we can afford the lipstick…but the gown??? Not in this life.
Professionally speaking, a major point was the observation that…“makeup artistry is a love and a passion,” and for the makeup artists starting out…”makeup is expensive.”
So opportunities to set-up discounts at this tradeshow “keeps the products in the makeup artists’ hands.”
Naturally, we had to gush a little, cuz after all we are human.
The ‘thing’ that meant the most to us in a lot of ways is the believability factor…or what biz types dub “the Oprah Effect.”
Well there is a reason for that! Burton “is always bringing new products into Oprah and HARPO.” (the production house).
And when a goodie receives a positive mention on the show, it’s been vetted and tested every which way to (till) Sunday we think.
“When you say things, you should mean it. Truth is golden…my boss lives with it…I live it everyday.”
Lastly we discussed success…and given the number of people giving Burton hugs ---this industry veteran is a success as defined in many different ways.
“You have the position because you earned it. Luck is preparation.” And always play your "A" game.
AGREED!
MEHRON GALS