When I was invited to the exclusive preview of MAC Cosmetics' latest collab with Chinese designer Guo Pei hosted by M�A�C Director of Makeup Artistry Gregory Arlt, I knew I had to attend and see the collection for myself at South Coast Plaza. Last year, MAC celebrated their Heirloom Mix collection launch with a huge live model performance and presentation. I was completely blown away by all the detail that went into presenting the collection.
This collection preview was no different, four of Guo Pei's haute couture designs were flown in and assembled (which I was told took 10 hours), the dresses themselves each took at least 10,000 hours (that's a little over a year) to create and make. What stood out the most about this collaboration was how each design possessed the most fascinating details and immaculate embellishments as well as how the designs were incorporated into the makeup collection. You get a mix of neutrals as well as pops of color like red and blue.
I had my makeup refreshed by artist Andrew, and he added a nude, mauve lipstick with a peach glass over it; blush and my face was highlighted with the powder/blush brush. I was immediately in love with ALL of the products that were used, and was surprised at how precise the highlighting powder was applied to my face with the Guo Pei powder brush. The collection is romantic, whimsical, yet bold; Guo Pei's designs are also incorporated into the makeup collection with the silk packaging of each product. It's simply exquisite and you must purchase an item or a few before it's all sold out! And you must also visit the MAC x Guo Pei exhibit at South Coast Plaza from October 1st-4th, 2015; this is the first time the collection is on display to the public!
Check out this interview with the designer Guo Pei:
How did the M�A�C Guo Pei collaboration come about?
M�A�C is the authority in makeup and trends. In 2003, when I was preparing for my first show in China, the first brand that I wanted to work with was M�A�C. It was a dream came true that I teamed up with M�A�C for the first time on my show. It has since been 12 years; the next step to collaborate on a makeup collection with MAC was a natural and organic progression. It was the perfect collaboration based on our mutual understanding and relationship of many years.
What was your inspiration for the MAC collaboration? How was the process of creating a line of cosmetics different from when you create your clothes?
I call my inspiration �The Garden of Soul�. Everyone has a space in their heart where we cherish beautiful things with our eyes, and we plant them like seeds in our spiritual garden. The flowers blossom and we find happiness within them. Through my 30 years of career in fashion, I always find unique ways to express myself. This is the first time I collaborated with a makeup brand. M�A�C complete freedom in bring my vision to life.
You created eight couture dresses to accompany the collection. Can you tell us more about them?
The design process is more like an enjoyment rather than work for me. I create those dresses at the same time as the M�A�C Guo Pei makeup collection. I imagine myself in the garden, enjoying the romance of the flowers. I designed the dresses three years ago on a beautiful afternoon when I felt really happy � a feeling that I want to convey in my designs. It took me two years to produce those eight looks. I felt these dresses complemented this collection perfectly, unifying fashion and beauty.
How did you this translate your experience in fashion to makeup?
There are a lot of similarities between makeup and clothes. For me, they are both a way to express our happiness. That�s why we need colours when creating both. Colours express our feelings; I used a variety of hues in my clothes and in this makeup collection to convey my emotions.
What was your inspiration when choosing the colours and products for this collection?
The colours I selected for this collection can be divided into daytime makeup and evening makeup. I chose a striking blue shade for the eyes, evoking the colour of the soul. I like to express happiness through my love for flowers and the spiritual garden. That�s why in all the blushes and powders there is gleam of shimmer in them. I want to deliver the feeling of happiness through this makeup collection.
Which of the 16 products do you feel most fond of and why?
My one favorite product is the eye shadow quad, especially the blue one. Blue is a very bold colour, also my favorite. For me, it is also the colour of the mind and spirit. I hope women today can add a little bit of blue in their eye makeup so people can connect through their eyes into their souls.
