Japanese women's makeup is of high quality, very natural, and sophisticated.

— Please tell us about the concept and features of this autumn's color collection.

The main item, a four-color compact, is based on the concept of being "the four essential colors" for everyone. When you have a multi-color compact, there's usually one color you think, "I can't use this." But with this compact, there are no shades that go to waste. It's an extremely practical compact that anyone, regardless of skin tone or preference, can use all the colors.
Furthermore, another significant feature is the new packaging. It has a cool and chic design, a different image from the elegance of previous collections.

— We heard this is your first visit to Japan. What are your impressions of Japanese women's makeup?

Overall, I think it's well-balanced, natural, and everyone does their makeup very skillfully.
When it comes to makeup in Asia, it often feels like an attempt to imitate the West, and there's a sense that it hasn't been fully assimilated. But Japanese women are different.
Just as the top European and American boutiques lining the streets of Aoyama do, Japanese women's makeup respects culture while skillfully incorporating Western elements and digesting them thoroughly. I feel a very high level of quality, and it's incredibly natural and sophisticated.

Chantecaille 2009 Autumn Color Collection
From left: Luminous Liner, Lip Chic, and Sylvie's Quattro Palette

— Chantecaille is globally renowned for its full line of products that fuse pure botanical ingredients with cutting-edge technology. Could you elaborate on your commitment to ingredients?

Let's talk about "Edelweiss." Edelweiss is a flower that blooms in very high altitudes in the Alps. I was first drawn to its power to bloom beautifully despite its harsh environment. Then, when we investigated the secret to its strength, we discovered it has very potent antioxidant properties.

We wondered if we could somehow utilize this power in cosmetics. So, we first secured high-quality edelweiss, and then began developing the technology to extract the components we needed for cosmetic ingredients as gently as possible, without damaging them.
The resulting highest-quality edelweiss extract is incorporated into our "Flower Harmonizing Cream," which nourishes the skin and promotes a healthy condition.

— The compacts featuring artwork released each year are part of your "Philanthropy" initiative, themed "Living in Harmony with Nature," aren't they?

The symbol for the 2009 Spring Collection is the "Whale."

The initial trigger was learning that wild butterflies were facing extinction. It was deeply saddening, and when we thought about what we could do, we realized that as a cosmetics company, Chantecaille had a very powerful platform: its products. Infusing them with a message was the most natural and effective approach.

And to make it something women could embrace with an open heart and easily understand, our Creative Director and mother, Sylvie, created the compacts. Of course, the first piece featured butterflies as its motif.
With the desire for the proceeds to be used in a tangible way, we donate them to the Oceanographic Institute. There are many researchers there who are studying the global marine environment with their own unique themes, and the donated funds are used for these research activities themselves.

— Are customers receptive to the message of living in harmony with nature?

We definitely feel a positive response. Cosmetics are very personal items. People don't keep things that feel incongruous with them, nor do they wear them every day. In other words, I believe they use our products because they resonate with the message.
As long as many people continue to understand and feel a connection with us, Chantecaille will continue to convey its message clearly.

— Thank you very much.

Chantecaille Isetan Shinjuku Store Counter
Tel. 03-6380-6566 (Direct)
http://chantecaille.jp