Entertainment

Francois Nars Reveals Celebrity Inspo in New Documentary on September 18, 2023 at 10:31 pm Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2023

Courtesy of François Nars

Before there was a universally-beloved blush called Orgasm, well before that inky black cult-favorite mascara known as Climax landed on the lashes of It girls, a young Francois Nars frolicked on a beach in Biarritz among breathtaking beauty.

This is just one of many telling, captivating scenes in the new documentary Unknown Beauty: Francois Nars that takes viewers directly inside the mind of the legendary makeup artist, photographer and cinephile.

The film, lovingly directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland, is a non-linear compilation of scenes that dreamily bring to life — and clarity — Nars’ very singular vision as inspired by moments, images, film, art and, above all, strong women including his mother, Claudette, grandmother, iconic models Lauren Hutton, Isabella Rossellini and starlets Catherine Denueve, Josephine Baker, Lauren Bacall and more.

Clips of over 50 of the movies that sparked Nars’ curiosity can be seen in the film as well as a peek behind-the-scenes of the high fashion photo shoots he creatively directed. There is a certain vibe to Nars Cosmetics makeup products and this vibe can be felt throughout the film, which is narrated by another muse, Charlotte Rampling.

The film just dropped and is available for purchase to download on Apple TV, Amazon and Google Play. But before its release, Us Weekly sat down with Nars to chat about his love for film, his favorite decade and exactly how Orgasm got its name.

Francois Nars. Courtesy of Fischio Films

Us Weekly: Who was your first major beauty icon?

Francois Nars: My mother, for sure. I had all these beauty icons on the celluloid screen, but she was the first one I could touch, and express myself with makeup. She was the first one, for sure.

UW: The ‘70s part of the film is just magical. I could really feel the brand come through.

FN: That was really a fun chapter to create because it was really the time I grew up, I was a teenager at the time. I started watching movies when I was eight years old, but the seventies for me was a wake-up call, an eye-opener to the dream life that I wanted to have and I wanted to get into. That was really a dream world that I wanted so bad. That was my obsession. It became an obsession. So the fashion world, the seventies, really. And in a way, I’m thanking the people in the movie by featuring them. It’s an homage. I honored them and said, “Thank you for being so fabulous.” I don’t know if they really knew how fabulous they were. Did Jerry Hall know she was really that fabulous? Probably she did, especially Jerry.

UW: When I think of your products, and the lens through which you see things, it’s that Studio 54 vibe, with bronzer and pops of color — it’s bigger than life, super glamorous, but effortless. What did beauty say in the ‘70s?

FN: The sophistication level was very high in the ‘70s, but there was a lot of freedom. It’s linked, of course, to the Sexual Revolution. In France, we had Brigitte Bardot who did all those scandalous movies at the time. That was the liberation of women.

UW: Then there was the ‘90s, the models were bigger than life, too. Cindy, Christy, Naomi…

FN: I’m glad because I arrived at the right moment. I had just started at the end of the seventies, but then I came into the ‘90s and the supermodels were born. The word supermodel, I guess they always say it was created because of Cindy, Christy and Linda. It’s not really true, because in the seventies, Jerry Hall was a supermodel already. Lauren Hutton was a supermodel. I think the money came along with the term ‘supermodel.’ Before, they were not willing to pay that much but in the ‘90s, they started making millions and millions of dollars.

UW: Who do you think are the big models of right now? Are there any young actresses you want to work with?

FN: There’s nobody that will compare to the stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. No, nobody. It’s a different thing today. They’re great actors, they’re very good-looking people, but it’s a whole different bargain, so we can’t compare. Today the models I love, usually are all the models that I work with in the campaign for Nars, you know? I think they’re amazing. We, I’m very selective, so I usually always pick people that, first of all, I fall in love visually. That I love their face. And hopefully the personality goes with it. That’s important.

UW: So, what does it mean to be a star today? How has stardom changed?

FN: It’s a totally different thing. It’s a different world, a different planet. I think, what it means to be a star today, I guess we should ask people like Tom Cruise or Nicole Kidman. I think, to me, a great star is the one that takes risk. No matter what. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, if you don’t take any risk, I don’t consider you a great actor or an actor at all.

UW: One last question. We have to talk about Orgasm.

FN: Nothing inspired me specifically. It’s funny because everybody wants the magic secret. How did you create that name? What happened was, the blushes had names of emotions and one was called Passion. I always think in America, and in a lot of places in the world, sex sells. I think people love sexy images. Everybody wants to be sexy in their own way. It can be in an androgynous way, it can be a very feminine way. There are many ways, but everybody wants to feel sexy. So I feel like giving names, sexy names. And definitely Orgasm was a very good, sexy name, word. But I never limited it to the sex part. I felt like, “Oh, Orgasm is a great name for an ‘orgasm for life’.” And you can have an orgasm by having a great dinner, meeting friends, looking at the sunset, you know, you elevate it to a different level. But again, to create the product, I felt it was very spontaneous. You can’t explain how you create some stuff. It just happens. I picked this peach color, I picked this pink. Threw some shimmer on it and I don’t know, it felt like, “Okay, feels like Orgasm.” I don’t know why. And then it got picked up by the rest of the world and everybody fell in love with the name.

Courtesy of François Nars Before there was a universally-beloved blush called Orgasm, well before that inky black cult-favorite mascara known as Climax landed on the lashes of It girls, a young Francois Nars frolicked on a beach in Biarritz among breathtaking beauty. This is just one of many telling, captivating scenes in the new documentary

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Advice

How to Balance Automation and Authenticity in Brand Messaging

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

The Challenge of Modern Marketing

In today’s digital landscape, brands face a complex challenge: leveraging the power of automation while maintaining authentic connections with their audience. This delicate balance is not just a marketing tactic, but a fundamental business imperative that can make or break customer relationships in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The Promise and Peril of Automation

Automation has revolutionized content creation and distribution, offering unprecedented efficiency and scalability. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data to generate personalized content, schedule posts with pinpoint accuracy, and streamline repetitive tasks that once consumed valuable human resources. This technological leap allows marketers to focus on high-level strategy and creativity, potentially transforming the entire marketing ecosystem. However, the allure of automation comes with a significant risk: the production of generic, impersonal content that fails to resonate with audiences craving genuine interactions.

The Importance of Authenticity

Authenticity remains the cornerstone of effective brand messaging, a truth that has only intensified in the digital age. Consumers have developed a keen sense for detecting scripted or disconnected content, and they actively seek out brands that offer genuine, value-driven interactions. This desire for authenticity goes beyond mere preference; it’s a fundamental expectation that drives long-term loyalty and advocacy. Brands that successfully maintain an authentic voice build trust and emotional connections with their customers, creating a resilient foundation for sustainable growth.

Defining Brand Identity

The key to striking the right balance lies in a strategic approach that begins with a clear definition of brand voice, values, and messaging strategy. This foundational work serves as a guiding light for the implementation of automation tools, ensuring that all generated content aligns seamlessly with the brand’s authentic identity. Human oversight becomes crucial in this process; marketers must review and refine automated content, injecting nuance, emotional resonance, and contextual relevance that AI alone cannot provide.

Personalization Without Invasion

Personalization emerges as a critical factor in maintaining authenticity within automated messaging systems. By leveraging data insights to tailor content to individual preferences and behaviors, brands can create experiences that feel uniquely relevant to each customer. However, this personalization must be executed with care, avoiding the pitfalls of invasive or misleading practices that can erode trust. The most successful brands find ways to combine automated processes with genuine human interactions, especially for complex customer inquiries or sensitive issues that require empathy and nuanced understanding.

The Need for Continuous Evaluation

Ultimately, successful brand messaging in the age of automation demands a dynamic, ever-evolving approach. Marketers must continuously evaluate and adjust their strategies, conducting rigorous A/B testing and staying attuned to audience feedback. This iterative process allows brands to refine their automation tools and techniques while preserving the human touch that gives their messaging authenticity and impact.

Creating Synergy Between Automation and Authenticity

By thoughtfully integrating automation while steadfastly preserving authentic human elements, brands can create a powerful synergy. This balanced approach enables the creation of efficient, scalable, and genuinely engaging content that resonates deeply with target audiences. In doing so, brands not only meet the expectations of today’s discerning consumers but also position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly automated world.

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Advice

How to Win Gen Z Hearts with Purpose-Driven Content

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

The Purpose Revolution: Why Gen Z Demands More Than Just Products

Gen Z isn’t just a demographic; they represent a purpose-powered generation that views consumption as a form of activism. Unlike previous generations, they don’t merely buy products; they invest in movements, ideologies, and brands that authentically reflect their worldview. Research indicates that 75% of Gen Z will actively boycott or support brands based on their social and environmental stances, making purpose not just a marketing strategy but a fundamental business imperative. This generation seeks to align their purchasing decisions with their values, demanding transparency and accountability from the brands they choose to support.

Decoding Gen Z’s Value Ecosystem: Beyond Surface-Level Activism

To effectively engage with Gen Z, brands must delve deep into the intricacies of their value system. This generation has grown up with unprecedented access to global information, witnessing climate crises, social movements, and systemic inequalities in real-time. Their values encompass environmental sustainability, social justice and equity, mental health awareness, digital privacy, ethical technology, and economic transparency. Brands that attempt to superficially check diversity boxes or create performative content will quickly be exposed and rejected by this discerning audience. Authenticity isn’t just preferred; it’s expected. For Gen Z, actions speak louder than words, and they can easily discern when a brand is being disingenuous.

The Content Architecture: Crafting Meaningful Digital Narratives

Creating compelling content for Gen Z requires a multi-dimensional approach that emphasizes visual storytelling and emotional intelligence. Effective narratives often take the form of 90-second video stories that engage viewers with relatable characters and authentic experiences. Behind-the-scenes glimpses into a brand’s operations can foster transparency and trust. Furthermore, integrating user-generated content allows for a more participatory media landscape where consumers feel like active contributors rather than passive viewers. Emotional intelligence in brand communication is equally crucial; acknowledging systemic challenges while showcasing genuine commitment to change resonates deeply with this audience. Highlighting real human stories—those of individuals impacted by social issues—can create powerful connections that transcend traditional marketing.

Strategic Collaboration: Amplifying Impact Through Authentic Partnerships

In today’s landscape, Gen Z values collective action over individualistic approaches. Brands must evolve beyond transactional influencer marketing to forge meaningful collaborations that result in tangible social impact. This involves partnering with grassroots organizations and supporting emerging social entrepreneurs whose missions align with the brand’s values. By creating platforms for marginalized voices and developing transparent impact metrics, brands can amplify their efforts and demonstrate genuine commitment to social change. Such collaborations not only enhance brand credibility but also foster community engagement and loyalty among Gen Z consumers.

Measurement and Accountability: The New Marketing Paradigm

Engaging with Gen Z through purpose-driven content is not merely about creating impactful narratives; it also requires demonstrating measurable change. This generation expects brands to publish comprehensive sustainability reports that outline their environmental impact and share concrete diversity and inclusion metrics that highlight progress in these areas. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital; brands must be willing to evolve based on feedback from their audience. Establishing transparent feedback mechanisms allows consumers to voice their opinions while holding brands accountable for their commitments.

The Transformation Imperative

Ultimately, connecting with Gen Z is not just a marketing tactic; it represents a fundamental transformation within businesses themselves. Brands must reimagine their identities as purpose-driven entities that contribute meaningfully to societal progress rather than simply selling products. The companies poised for success are those that create movements, empower communities, and redefine what business can represent in the 21st century. By embracing purpose-driven content that aligns with Gen Z’s values, brands can forge lasting connections with this influential generation, fostering loyalty and engagement in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Entertainment

MrBeast’s Epic $5M Amazon Prime Show

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

On December 19, 2024, the highly anticipated reality competition series “Beast Games” premiered on Amazon Prime Video, marking a significant milestone in the career of YouTube sensation Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson. This new show is a culmination of Donaldson’s signature style of extreme challenges and generous prizes, now brought to a broader audience through Amazon’s streaming platform.

The Concept and Prize

“Beast Games” features an unprecedented 1,000 contestants competing over 10 episodes for the largest cash prize in television history – a staggering $5 million. The show is designed to push participants to their limits through a series of physical and mental challenges, many of which are reminiscent of the extreme stunts and giveaways that have made MrBeast a household name on YouTube.

Production and Controversy

The production of “Beast Games” has been marred by controversy. Several contestants filed a class-action lawsuit in September, alleging workplace abuses including unpaid wages and sexual harassment during filming. These allegations have cast a shadow over the show’s launch, despite Donaldson’s efforts to address the concerns and ensure a safe and fair environment for all participants.

Promotional Tour and Hype

In the lead-up to the premiere, MrBeast embarked on a multiplatform promotional tour, appearing on popular podcasts, collaborating with esports teams like FaZe Clan, and even hosting live streams on Twitch. One notable event included bringing $5 million to Times Square to visually illustrate the grand prize, generating significant buzz and excitement among fans.

Episode Release Schedule

The first two episodes of “Beast Games” were released on December 19, 2024, with subsequent episodes set to be released weekly. Here is a brief overview of the initial episodes:

Episode 1: “1,000 People Fight for $5,000,000” – Contestants enter an arena and face their first challenges.
Episode 2: “500 People Trapped In My City” – The number of contestants is halved, and the remaining participants navigate a new city built by MrBeast’s team.

Unique Elements and Collaborations

“Beast Games” is not just a competition; it’s an immersive experience. The show features elaborate sets, including a city built from scratch, and challenges that range from monster trucks to helicopter jumps. Additionally, MrBeast has collaborated with other brands and platforms, such as Roblox, where fans can participate in challenges mirroring those on the show.

Viewing and Engagement

Fans can watch “Beast Games” exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, available with a basic subscription. The show is also promoted through various Amazon services, including Amazon Fresh, which is distributing “Beast Games”-branded bags in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Conclusion

“Beast Games” represents a new frontier for MrBeast, transitioning his unique brand of entertainment from YouTube to a major streaming platform. Despite the controversies surrounding its production, the show promises to deliver high-energy challenges, massive prizes, and an engaging viewing experience. As the series unfolds, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this ambitious project and whether it will cement MrBeast’s status as a television personality as well as a YouTube sensation.