MAC Cosmetics Dinner Party!
Friday, August 24th, 2007
WHERE? I was fortunate enough to be extended an invitation to a dinner party hosted by MAC Cosmetics held at Perbacco in San Francisco, as a sort of kick-off to San Francisco’s Fashion Week.
WHO? Two key artists, Victor Cembellin and Louise Zizzo; along with Allison Greenberg and Heather Park, who work with public relations and the Global Communications department at MAC in New York. As far as guests went, I met several local bloggers and writers, including Donna over at the San Jose Mercury News; Annie, editor of Bellasugar.com; Sheryl, a freelance writer for Glamour.com, Mandy at Los Gatos Weekender, Karen from Makeupandbeautyblog.com, and several other guests (about 12-15 people total).
L-R: Heather, Louise, Annie (Bellasugar), Me, Victor, Allison
The party was situated in the Barolo (a private room) at Perbacco, and the table was already lined with appetizing platters of dried meats and cheese. There was an endless supply of both red and white wines (just water for yours truly), and lovely floral arrangements at each end of the table. I must say, the company was absolutely excellent – conversation flowed so freely from one topic to another, but inevitably, tended to gravitate towards… makeup! (A favorite topic here at Temptalia!) Refreshing tomato salads came next, followed by a delicious main course of filet mignon (also amongst the choices was seabass), which I must say was one of the best prepared pieces I have had in awhile. For dessert, I picked the crostata accompanied by a creamy dollop of ice cream and another dollop of sorbet. I’m sure you were all dying to know about the food, right? Okay, so let’s get to the good stuff!
I must let all you readers know that both Heather and Allison were amazing to talk to; their jobs revolve around the corporate side of MAC, and it was great seeing how truly interested they were in the product and the customers that MAC serves at all levels. Heather is absolutely adorable – and I insisted she get in the photo; she really pulls of that deep red lip SO well, I’m totally jealous. Allison was telling me about the greatness that is the Renewal Charged Waters was (and Louise affirmed this), and I’m going to use it and see if I can concur. She was also quite curious about blogging and really understands that blogging is becoming a new wave of media technology.
Now, onto the artists!
Louise Zizzo
On my left was the eloquent and ultra gorgeous Louise Z, one of the two key MAC makeup artists behind San Francisco Fashion Week. Dressed all in black with a fitting smoky eye, she was all smiles and ready to put me at ease with her friendliness. Originally from London (still a touch of accent), she has been in the States since the early 90s. She began her career with MAC back in 1995 and worked her way up to become a Senior Key Artist.
A Senior Key Artist is one who truly represents MAC and its commitment to both excellence and professionalism, because they are involved in the backstage productions like Fashion Week and photoshoots, but also attending and teaching master classes or seminars given to both consumers and PRO members throughout the country/world. They are homegrown artists with jetsetter tendencies, as evidenced by Louise’s busy schedule as she makes her way to Hawaii in a few days, then shortly thereafter to New York for Fashion Week. She and Victor alternate who attends Paris/Milan Fashion Week each season.
It is obvious that she is passionate about her artistry, and her excitement about the upcoming activities is contagious. She confirms the magical powers of the 182 (buffer brush), and praises the greatness of the 168 (contour brush) (Victor swears by the 266, by the way!). Shyly she mentioned how she recognizes products more by makeup than their names, especially because she has the unique opportunity to work with colors up to six months in advance. As a result, she tends to work colors and their working names, which are not always their final product names.
She loves and appreciates MAC’s versatility in products, and it is plain to tell that she is quite involved in the professional aspect of the company line. Louise, along with Victor and others at the table, raved about the powers of fluidliner. She also convinced me to try and test out MAC’s Charged Waters line (along with
Victor Cembellin
I must have had the best seat in the house, because on my left was the second key artist, Victor C. Originally from Pleasanton, he mentions how he first began his makeup career at the Iman counter in JC Penney’s. He tells us how he was so eager to apply to MAC, but every counter required real makeup experience first, but after three months there, he managed to get himself into the world of MAC Cosmetics.
Victor is charming and his laughter is infectious; and he has a smile that really does light up a room. He is such an easy going person with a great, upbeat attitude. I was seated towards the middle-right of the table, and he completely monopolized the attention of most of the guests on left!
He regaled us all with a story about the crises that occur backstage at fashion shows, with one shining example of when they were waiting to do makeup for Chloe show, and the models hadn’t shown up yet. The show was already running forty-five minutes late when the models finally did arrive, only for the artists to be horrified to find that the models had faces covered in dark, dramatic makeup and lots of green glitter (not to mention huge, huge hair). Why so horrifying? Because the makeup for Chloe was minimalist – clean skin and lines. Imagine trying to remove all the glitter in a matter of minutes as people were getting ready to walk out of the show because it was so late to start.
Victor explains that he’s been on his hands and knees putting or removing nail polish on models because the show’s manicurist didn’t show or was forgotten. He tells us these types of hilarious stories that make me sigh in relief that I will only be an onlooker backstage at Fashion Week, while he will be amidst all of the action. He described the chaos that ensues as being so caught up that you become incredibly focused, as if you had tunnel vision, and there is nothing but your task to finish. I can only imagine the nerves these artists must have!
All in all, it was a fabulous time had by all, and I was so thankful for the opportunity to interact with people I only read about and admire. And expect another write-up tomorrow – all about being backstage at San Francisco’s Fashion Week!
Thanx for sharing your experience with me. I am a faithful MAC user my goal and passion is to become a MAC makeup artist.And it really excites me to know that you had face to face fun with the Mac Family.Prayerfully we will meet at a MAC Dinner!!!!!!!!!!! Keep encouraging me, and I'm ready for New York!!!!!lol May the Blessings of God overttake your life
My pleasure, Nicole! I hope you are able to join the MAC family soon enough :)
wow you are so lucky to have met Victor! i've been admiring him since i saw snowkei's makeover by him.... also another lucky one :) that's awesome to have had the opportunity to speak with corporate execs of MAC, sometimes i forget that MAC is a company! i want to one day work for the corporate side of MAC, hopefully one of these days. in any case, i totally am in agreement about the Renewal Defense Charged Water, i love it and use it almost everyday.
I think he may have even talked about Snowkei's makeover at the party, LOL! Just make sure you love NY and travel, because MAC is all about New York... plus traveling all the time :) I'm still on the fense about the Renewal Defense Charged Water... I don't feel any different, lol!
thats cool. update us with more of your *superb* experiences !
Will do, Taj! :D
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. The corporate side of the business is something I am interested in (in addition to product of course!), and I'm grateful for the insight you have provided. What an honor to be in the prescence of individuals who indeed exemplify the brand and everything MAC stands for. Many kudos to you. - vwilliams from Live Journal.
My pleasure :) If I ever wanted to work for MAC, it'd definitely be in the corporate side, too! It's too bad their based in NY, lol.
You one BLessed Lady..I'm really proud of you and all that you are doing for people who wish to know nore about MAC products. You think that you were honored, no honey, they were HONORED to have you there, trust me. For MAC knows that people look forward to your reviews and if you so, it's a NO GO, then it's a no GO. So, keep doing it one never knows what's in store for them....******
I know, it was such a great opportunity, and I'm raelly glad I was able to take it :) Thank you for your sweet comments, so much!!
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