Nars Opens Up

When François Nars decided to open his first flagship—which debuted on New York’s Bleecker Street in February—he knew it had to be more than just a place to sell lipstick and blush. “I wanted it to be a bit more personal and comfortable,” says the New York–based Frenchman, “the way a hairdresser makes his salon like a second home.” As a result, the 525-square-foot storefront gives shoppers a glimpse of the man behind the makeup. Intermingled with his skincare and cosmetics collections is a selection of Nars’s favorite things: Japanese matcha tea, hairpins by hair­stylist Odile Gilbert, music boxes from Mariage Frères. Designed by Fabien Baron—the French art director behind the brand’s signature matte-black packaging as well as its ad campaigns—the shop is furnished with director’s chairs for makeup lessons and application by a team that Nars selected and trained himself; user-friendly product displays to encourage trying on and experimenting; and, perhaps most interesting, a mini library. “A lot of my makeup was inspired by movies and books,” says Nars, explaining that customers will be able to purchase a DVD of Belle de Jour along with their Belle de Jour lipstick, or the All About Eve screenplay along with their All About Eve eye-shadow duo. Also on offer will be products whose names need no explanation: 413 Bleecker Pure Matte lipstick, a warm rose-brown shade exclusive to the boutique, and, of course, the perpetually best-selling Orgasm blush.

NARS and boutique: courtesy of nars;