"DO NOT BECOME A SLAVE TO BEAUTY"

Bazaar India spoke to Peter Philips, the Creative and Image Director of Christian Dior Makeup, ahead of the Maison’s Fall 2023 show in Mumbai, about the changing landscape of the industry, his beauty philosophy, and why his make-up collections are designed for real women.

- MEGHNA SHARMA

Harper’s Bazaar: The House of Dior is at the forefront when it comes to dictating global trends—in both fashion and beauty. Tell us how you determine runway make-up looks.

Peter Philips: “Every collection that I work on—be it campaigns or runway shows, I am at the service of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s vision [Creative Director of Christian Dior]. I, along with the hairstylist, set designer, and the people who take care of the music, are there to fulfill her vision...to ensure that the catwalk show is a memorable one. And the inspiration comes from Maria herself, because her research is very strong and she always has a beautiful moodboard.

On the other hand, when I plan my make-up collections, I like to think outside the ‘fashion box’. We don’t just care about women who want to be fashionable, but all women who want to look and feel beautiful...it’s a much broader spectrum. I consider a lot of other elements, such as the archives, what’s happening around the world (in the local or regional markets), the feedback I get from people manning the Dior beauty counters, and the editorial work I do...it is a totally different ball game.”

HB: You have been a part of the beauty industry for decades... How has the industry evolved over the years?