Marc Jacobs, Naomi Campbell and Amber Valetta are just three of the 15 models, designers and cultural icons gracing the pages of "15x15". The lauded French make up artist Francois Nars' hotly anticipated portrait book, celebrates his 15 years at the forefront of the fashion and beauty industry. The beautifully styled and stunningly executed collection of photographs examines the use of make up in fashion and film, as well as exploring the subjects' personal relationships with Nars in a series of quotes from the featured elite of models, designers, actors and icons.  
In a series of slick and stylish images, the book celebrates the fiery passion and artistic flair of Nars’ work. His work in the beauty industry has seen him make up some of the most recognisable faces in the world, as well as launch a range of products loved by the industry and public alike. Nars himself styled and shot the book, which sees studio images come alive under his deft hand. New York designer Marc Jacobs features, his topless body a canvas for the vivid tattoos which complement the blood red stain on his lips and nails. Isabella Rossellini is statuesque in an exaggeratedly structural piece, the oversized padded collar framing her immaculately made up features.  "His products reflect his level of interest in make up," comments Daphne Guinness. "Nars products have originality in them which is pretty unusual."
          
Accompanying the book is a collection of photographic interpretations taken by each subject that will be displayed for 30 days from November 9th on an online gallery. For each image that appears, the subject explores the measured and thoughtful process that goes into each shot using the medium of photography. The book acts as a thread running through each subjects' interpretations, binding together the eclecticism of the ideas, and contextualising the subjects' inspiration.
“The transformation that occurs under the hand of Nars is startling," comments Shalom Harlow, continuing, "I am reminded of a classical dancer performing some technically impossible feat with a seemingly effortless ease. This is how Francois does make up. He is a master technician and an eloquent artist enfolding both qualities with grace and elegance."
The limited edition book has a run of just 1500 copies, referencing Nars’ 15 years in the industry. All proceeds of the book will be split 15 ways and donated to charities of the subjects’ choice, causes which include Greenpeace, amFAR, and the White Ribbon Allegiance.  
For more information visit www.15x15project.com.

By Sophie Berry