June 5, 2017 |
Peter Philips is a make-up magician. Formerly the global creative director for Chanel make-up and now the creative and image director for Dior make-up, the beauty alchemist has conjured up some of the most visually arresting runway looks in recent memory. Part of an elite group of Belgian creators, he counts Raf Simons and Willy Vanderperre as friends and early collaborators. He has worked with fashion houses that include Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten and Louis Vuitton (in addition to Chanel and Dior), creating looks that combine a classic beauty with a distinctly modern and innovative approach to make-up artistry. What is his number one beauty tip for us? “Hydrate, eyelash curler, Dior Forever foundation and confidence.” Thanks, Peter.
Ted Stansfield: How do you define yourself?
Peter Philips: “I’m a workaholic who’s fortunate to love what he does. My work, my family, my friends define who I am.”
TS: At what moment did you realise that this is what you wanted to do? When did it all become clear?
PP: “My first shoot, working with a great team on images that actually would be published, that’s when I knew.”
TS: Who gave you your first break?
PP: “The photographers I worked with at the beginning of my career – Willy Vanderperre, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Craig McDean… ”
TS: What’s your favourite thing about doing your job?
PS: “The variation, the travelling, being forced to stay young in your head, the creative process.”
TS:What accomplishment are you most proud of?
PS: “Many individual images, my first French Vogue cover, the Dior The Art of Colour book, show looks I did for Alexander McQueen, Dior, Chanel, Dries Van Noten… ”
TS: What does Louis Vuitton mean to you?
PP: “Ultimate luxury, high quality, great design and an intelligent sense of adventure and humour.”
TS: In your opinion, what makes Kim so good at what he does?
PP: “He understands what men are looking for when they step into a Louis Vuitton boutique.”
TS: Who is your favourite model right now and why?
PP: “I still am in awe of Christy Turlington – she stays graceful and elegant and uses her fame in the right way.”
TS: Who would you say is your ultimate style icon and why?
PP: “I like the elegance of old-school Hollywood leading men – Gary Cooper, Fred Astaire, Cary Grant. They made it look so effortless.”
TS: What is your favourite account to follow on Instagram?
PP: “@blackjaguarwhitetiger.”
TS: Glass of champagne or a healthy smoothie?
PP: “A lactose-free healthy smoothie.”
TS: What song would you lip sync to for your life?
PP: “Andy by Les Rita Mitsouko.”
TS: Beauty is…
PP: “Beauty is everywhere.”
Stay tuned for the rest of the 10…
Text by Ted Stansfield
Photographer Richard Burbridge
Taken from 10 People To Meet in the latest issue of 10 Men FLUID UNIQUE BRAVE, on newsstands now…
Instagram: @peterphilipsmakeup
