Where Does All This Vibrant Color Come From?

First, the beauty of the colors in "Pure Chromatics" captivates the eye with an irresistible intensity. One is instantly smitten with the four harmonies, adorned with various sheens, and upon application, a cascade of emotions is awakened. This is because they can be used dry or wet with the special applicator, mixed, layered, blended, and applied freely as liner or spread over a wide area.

"They were designed to be used alone or in combination, to create harmonious or contrasting effects. From delicate, velvety pastels to sharp, edgy lines. And from subtle, soft glows to intense chrome metallic brilliance, a single palette expresses a multitude of colors and lights like a kaleidoscope. Moreover, thanks to the innovative formula, anyone can easily enjoy eye makeup, from subtle daytime looks to dramatic evening transformations," says Lloyd Simmonds.

While I mentally pegged him as a "scientist" for his logical explanations, the big question remained: where does all this vibrant color come from?

"Color is an emotion that wells up from within me, a part of my life. I play with color, I give it movement. When colors enhance each other, the entire universe exists there. Color is my means of self-expression. For me, color is vitality, dynamism, creativity, the power of all expressions, including dance and theater. Everything originates from color and light."

It's clear that his almost stoic dedication to color is why he's called a "color magician." But where does the inspiration for the colors themselves come from? While he seems to immerse himself in art by visiting museums in Paris, that's not the only source.

"The source of inspiration is everything around me. For example, I can find beauty in the green of the leaves I see from this window (pointing to a building across the street visible from the interview room), the way the light hits them, or the bricks in the background. Stories are born from this."

He effortlessly captures what's essential from everyday life and imprints it in his memory. We all see various colors and lights, yet the difference in our ability to perceive them is astounding!

YVES SAINT LAURENT
The New Face of YSL Beauty Makeup Creation

Lloyd Simmonds Interview (2)

Lloyd Simmonds' Job: Breathing Life into Color

What particularly "resonated" with Simmonds was the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective exhibition held at the Petit Palais in Paris last year.

"I felt the overwhelming power of Yves Saint Laurent, a great designer of the 20th century. His adventurous spirit that dared to break free from perfect frames, the glamorous danger lurking within classical elegance... For him, color was his identity, a tribute to life, and a love for all women. All colors interact with each other, each telling a story. I felt compelled to express that power. It's nothing less than expressing the soul of a woman through her inner spectrum of colors."

For Simmonds, exploring YSL's vast archives is like delving into the designer's mind and journeying through his universe. His task is to express that universe. While this immense responsibility must carry unimaginable pressure, at this moment, his usually stern eyes softened into a gentle smile.

"It is a great honor to be the International Makeup Artist for the global maison, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté. It's the most exciting event of my life. Creating color is also about creating a story that makes women beautiful. Makeup is never finished. The most important thing is to know yourself. I want women to rediscover themselves through color and express their personality and radiance."

Lloyd Simmonds' job is to breathe life into color. We were shown a video of him "confronting" color in a white studio. He meticulously arranges papers swatched with multiple eye colors and lip colors, observing which colors clash and which harmonize. His expression is intensely focused.

"When you blend two or three colors, a story emerges. It's no longer just color. Colors resonate with each other, transform, and are reborn into something entirely new. That experience is incredibly stimulating. I concentrate intensely when creating color stories. I enjoy music, but I can't listen to it passively in the background. When I listen to music, I go to a concert and listen properly."

This is the moment where his accumulated expertise is tested to express YSL's legacy through color. With his honed concentration, he sometimes feels as if the colors themselves are appealing to him, saying, "Look at me!" The colors themselves must feel honored to be chosen by him...

YVES SAINT LAURENT
The New Face of YSL Beauty Makeup Creation

Lloyd Simmonds Interview (3)

The Ideal YSL Woman

The "Long Lasting Eye Pencil WP," another new release from April born from his vision, features striking bold blues and greens alongside classic black and brown.

"You can smudge it right after drawing the line, but once it sets, it's waterproof – even if you cry, swim, or climb a mountain! (laughs)" he advises with a playful wink.

He further elaborates on the lipstick "Rouge Pur Couture," which debuted last fall: "The sharp, powerful expression of red is its charm. This January's new shades add deep, sensual yet sophisticated, and thrillingly novel pink hues. Including the brand's iconic fuchsia pink, the color pink reveals an unexpectedly diverse range."

With Lloyd Simmonds, YSL's makeup creations are being infused with new life and are poised for a grand ascent.

"The YSL woman has many faces. She remains herself, unbound by any style. She expresses herself and doesn't try to be someone else. The YSL woman is one who can play with her inner depths and the individuality she wishes to express. Every woman has a Parisian inside her. And every woman is in the spotlight. With YSL makeup, we envelop a woman's microcosm with Parisian magic, creating beauty. I aim to express YSL's sensual, almost dangerous passion."

The full unveiling of Lloyd Simmonds' creations is set for this autumn. We eagerly anticipate how he will interpret YSL's vision and infuse it with new energy.

Lloyd Simmonds
Born in British Columbia, Canada. After working as a makeup artist in the art, ballet, theater, and fashion industries, he moved to Italy. He then relocated to Paris, where he handled makeup for numerous fashion shows, before being appointed International Makeup Artist for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté in June 2010. His sense of color is described as "magical."

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté
Tel. 03-6911-8563
www.yslb.jp