FASHION got an exclusive interview with Philips backstage at Paris Fashion Week.
For the fall/winter 2020 Christian Dior show in Paris, Peter Philips, creative and image director of Christian Dior Makeup, created three variations of a black eyeliner look that emphasized the personality of each model in the show. With the rest of the makeup kept fresh and natural, the eyes took centre stage, offering a perfect complement to the bold looks shown on the runway—1970s-inspired sheer dresses, plaid jackets and fringed coats. FASHION caught up with Philips backstage to learn more about he created the look.
On working with Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s creative director
“The first thing Maria Grazia told me was a bit abstract—’70s intellectual. She wanted a more natural approach, with beautiful skin, and the focus to be on the eye. We kept it kind of round around the eye, not pointy. We wanted to keep it kind of street cool, like they did it themselves.”
On nailing the look
“We decided on three variations of a rounded eye shape and used kohl and eyeliner. We enhanced the eyebrows and made them a little bit darker and more intense, to give a bit of depth to the face. We kept them natural but filled them in, trying to keep some transparency so it’s not like a block. The hair was kept natural and styled with headscarves and hats.
In terms of skin, we wanted the the skin to look fresh and natural. We used Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation as well as the new Dior Skin Correct concealer, which is my favourite. I’ve actually been using it as a foundation also. The formula is genius. Moisturizer was first applied to give a soft base which really feeds the skin and also creates a nice glowy texture that’s not too shiny. The Dior Lip Sugar Scrub and Lip Maximizer were used to hydrate and plump the lips.”
On the main focus of the beauty look
“The main focus was the dark, rounded eye with natural glowy skin. 1970s intellectual but also very individual with a carefree spirit. Skin is very important so great foundation is key. My hero products used to achieve the looks were Dior Hydra Life Crème, Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation and Dior Skin Correct concealer.”