MAC Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
“If I have a basic motivation, it’s to inspire people to make their life a Masterpiece!” Is that not what we do every day at M·A·C? So it is that the Dutch industrial designer – known for everything from his “Happy Hour” Chandelier to his “futuresonic” way with old Delft porcelain, and for co-founding now-iconic design collective Droog AND the amusing, classicism-meets-futurism objects of his own group, Moooi (from the Dutch word for “beauty,” but with an extra “o” for extra-beautiful!) – wandered HERE…It had to be! M·A·C partners with Marcel Wanders – his first foray into the world of cosmetics – and design sophisticates (and people with innate and irreverent tastes) will be bonkers for these limited-edition Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Sheer Mystery Powder, Air of Style Scent Concentrate and his signature brush and clutch creations, not least of all for their arresting packaging – fine collectors’ items all! But also for the rich palette, inspired by 17th Century Flemish painting, and particularly Vermeer’s – “Girl With a Pearl Earring” – and the idea of an artist painting a portrait, and falling in love. “Always, with a sense of love in the product…” he says. Marcel speaks our M·A·C language.
MAC & Marcel Wanders Lipstick ($22.00 US / $26.00 CDN)
- Martha Golden champagne with pearl/frost (Frost) (Limited Edition)
- Gesina Red with slight pinkish undertones (Cream) (Limited Edition)
- Catharina Fuchsia (Cream) (Limited Edition)
- Digna Blackened red (Cream) (Limited Edition)
MAC & Marcel Wanders Lip Gloss ($22.00 US / $26.00 CDN)
- Mary Light gold (Limited Edition)
- Beatrix Golden nude (Limited Edition)
- Aleydis Fuchsia (Limited Edition)
- Gertruyd Blackened red (Limited Edition)
MAC & Marcel Wanders Sheer Mystery Powder ($60.00 U.S. / $72.00 CDN)
- Light Medium Pale ivory (Limited Edition)
- Medium Plus Tan beige (Limited Edition)
False Lashes Mascara ($18.00 US / $21.50 CDN)
- False Black Black (Limited Edition; being repromoted later)
Air of Style Scent Concentrate ($30.00 US / $36.00 CDN)
Look what happens when a design darling and M∙A∙C scent get together. Our opulently sensual Air of Style scent goes solid and heads off to fashionable places, wafting on your skin – and, in its decidedly stylish Marcel Wanders-designed, faceted metal compact-style pendant. Too sexy! Limited edition.
MAC & Marcel Wanders Brush Clutch ($65.00 US / $78.00 CDN)
Classic tapestry meets the modern and exquisite flourishes of designer Marcel Wanders in this limited-edition evening clutch. The interior purse snaps shut to be enfolded by soft layers of fabric. Finishing touches include silk ribbon ties, a faceted metal closure and, to keep this collectible safe, a silky slipcover. Limited edition.
MAC & Marcel Wanders 187 Brush ($75.00 US / $90.00 CDN)
Indulgence or a perfectionist’s finest tool? This Marcel Wanders-designed version of our 187 Duo Fibre Face Brush features a softly rounded duo fibre brush head for the luxurious application of powders, and an elegant hand-turned wooden handle. Limited edition.
Availability: North America November 24 2010 at all M·A·C locations, International December 2010 at all M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com.
Check out more photos, behind the collection, and Q&A with Marcel Wanders!
Behind the Collection
M·A·C Cosmetics is widely recognized for its stylish, artistic, quirky and edgy collaborations whose partners run the gamut from the world of fashion and art to Hollywood and pop culture. It is no wonder that the latest partnership is with none other than legendary Dutch designer, Marcel Wanders. The two powerhouse brands are teaming up on a 2010 holiday luxe makeup collection that is bound to catch the attention of makeup addicts and design aficionados around the globe.
From hotel suites to restaurants, beach accessories to bags and furniture to bathroom designs, Marcel Wanders has put his mind, and maverick sensibility, to them all. Marcel’s design philosophy is to bring beauty to the things that we see all the time; to raise the aesthetic bar and elevate the normality of the everyday. “It’s not just about function, it’s about having something you really love and caring about the details that surround you,” says Wanders. Little wonder, then, that his latest collaboration is with iconic cult brand M·A·C Cosmetics: For what could simultaneously be more everyday and utterly personal than makeup?
“As a company I feel we have to explore every avenue of design,” explains James Gager, Senior Vice President and Creative Director, M·A·C Cosmetics, who has teamed up with many of the world’s leading trendsetters on colour collections. “When choosing M·A·C partnerships it’s important that there is an authentic synergy and similar philosophy shared between the brands. We are, after all, Make-up Art Cosmetics so there has to be a strong artistic association to feel it’s the perfect match. I’m always asking the question ‘Is it artful enough to be M·A·C?’” Well, you can’t get more artful than Marcel Wanders. Not only is he an internationally acclaimed designer, but he’s also at the pinnacle of the Dutch design movement characterized by irreverence, risk taking and innovative design solutions – all of which are aligned with M·A·C’s DNA.
Wanders was ultimately given free reign when it came to working on the package design for M·A·C’s Luxe 2010 collection. “We simply told him the products we wanted in the collection and asked him to come back to us with his vision,” confirms Gager. “I didn’t want to put restrictions on Marcel, it’s important that our collaborators approach a project from a fresh perspective.”
The results are stunningly beautiful and most certainly original. For a company whose signature packaging is all about monochrome and utilitarian cool, the M·A·C and Marcel Wanders collection retained that innate signature look with sleek black lines and tactile finish, while pushing the design boundaries as far from simple as possible. As Wanders quips, “We don’t want minimal, we want optimal!”
This maximalist aesthetic works very well for the luxurious tone of M·A·C’s limited edition luxe collection. “We wanted the collection to have a sophisticated feel and the products to have a ‘dress up’ moment,” explains Gager.
It turns out that the idea of dressing up is exactly where Wanders is coming from. Marcel always felt naturally inclined to design for women “because they add a sense of elegance to the world that few men have, and I really wanted to explore the idea of how makeup enhances this quality.” Wanders went back to his Dutch roots and the works of 17th Century Dutch Baroque painter Vermeer, famed for his iconic images of women such as “Girl With a Pearl Earring” (1665).
While the makeup itself wasn’t Wanders’ remit, the colours and textures of the collection are as decadent andsleek as the packaging. Take the smooth opaque Lipsticks and ultra light Lip Glosses – both come in shades including golden frosted champagne, hot fuchsia and vampy blackened red and the Sheer Mystery Powder, which gives skin exactly that gossamer light and flawless finish Vermeer himself was known for. Predict a stampede for the False Lashes Mascara for that untold oomph this party season.
The M·A·C and Marcel Wanders collection is more than a clever edit of what every woman desires come party season. Encased in wonderfully unique packaging with jewel-like compacts, the products reflect the edgy, high-style M·A·C aesthetic and fit perfectly within Wanders’ design dream of creating art out of common everyday items.
Q&A with Marcel Wanders
How did this collaboration with M·A·C come about?
I was talking with a journalist friend of mine about how I felt it would be interesting to work on a project with cosmetics, and I thought of M·A·C. I like to work for women – men are boring but women are exciting!
The breadth of your collaborations is amazing, ranging from crystal (Baccarat), homewards (Target), interior accessories (B&B Italia), fragrance (Cacharel), lighting (Flos), bags (Mandarina Duck) beach wear (Puma) to, of course, contemporary interior design and furniture. What was exciting to you about designing makeup?
Makeup is such a wonderful invention. Women paint themselves to be beautiful, and have done so for thousands of years. This fundamental idea, and the way that it connects to art – first women paint themselves, then the painter takes his brushes to paint her – immediately interested me.
What was your inspiration for the collaboration?
Coming from the Netherlands, Vermeer is my culture and “Girl with a Pearl Earring” in particular inspired me. He is the most important painter in the world to me – to revisit his work was fascinating. It’s such a contrast with the way we work now, which in the last few hundred years has become so mechanical. Vermeer is relevant to me because he represents the idea that there’s an interesting story to tell if you look to your world in a more poetic and loving way. Designing beauty packaging immediately made me think of the painterly connection I mentioned before. We are creating striking tools for women to paint and make themselves beautiful.
Your philosophy is “Here to create an environment of Love…Live with Passion and make our most Exciting Dreams come True”; how does this apply to your collection with M·A·C?
That statement is about everything that we do here. For this collection, it’s about how we’ve created a dream. Like a painter from the Golden Age and his passion, we today use the same tools as Vermeer did 400 years ago to create beauty. It’s a very exciting and beautiful sentiment to me – I feel it’s an elevating and uplifting idea to connect the past and the future in this way. Take the wonderfully intricate Luxe Brush; it was hand milled in Japan as a very classical way of giving lightness to objects. It gives common tools a beauty beyond their functionality.
What was your idea behind the Clutch Bag/Brush Roll?
This is the pièce de résistance and exemplifies how to take a simple and utilitarian object from the painters’ past and translate it into a glamorous modern accessory. The shape derives from how a painter would store his brushes in a textile roll, but the ribbon and stone closure turns it into something beautiful to carry. It transforms into your own personal mobile vanity set.
It’s interesting to me that there’s a fragrance in the lineup. How do you feel about this?
Beauty to me only arrives once all the senses discover it at the same time. Fragrance is a great way to make it all work together, to complete a whole vision of beauty.
Is there a common design ethos throughout all your works?
In my studio we find many different ways to connect projects. I want my work to be a family. I love them to be connected, so I do use a lot of the same design metaphors between different projects. The idea of using current technology to make objects which are completely modern, but that look back in time to when things were handcrafted before the industrial revolution.
Were you involved in the specific shade names of these products?
Yes, the names of the products themselves are steeped in Vermeer, named after the women – lovers, sisters, wives, mother – in his life. It’s important to me that every detail of the collection works together. I would love to make things that are meaningful and emotional, not just practical. To me it’s not superficial, it’s about having a deeper relationship with the things in your life other than just ‘needing’ them. The collection is based on the idea that your tools can be your jewels.
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection
These are beautiful lip colors but very expensive. I will be skipping this one.
This collection looks fabulous, but I just cannot afford it. I am waiting for the Stylishly Yours, Peacocky & Mickey Contractor collections to come out with pictures. Those are more affordable for me.
Dose anyone have a scent description of “Air of Style”. The Scent Concentrate is still tempting but if I’m not a fan of the notations then I want to spend my money on something else from this collection. Or Christmas gifts for others. ^_^
I reviewed the original scent here: http://www.temptalia.com/mac-cosmetics-the-stylistics-air-of-style-perfume-review
Merci! Dang I like the sound of it and I know white it cost so much more then a roller ball perfume being metal. The compact look like a chain charm in size though. No size description yet on it though. 🙁
I like Black industrial and floral designs and own and number of Anna Sui “tools” for that reason. Really want one of display vanities but that’s not for sale. >__>
Products are up online if you do a search. CA $90.00 for the brush makes me want to cry.
Whatever happens in life, whatever joy or pain befalls me….I must have that face brush.
lol, it an awesome design mind you but I happy with my swap for the standard 187 Brush I just got. ^_^
Me too! I don’t know why I want it so bad when I already have a 187! I want the brush and Digna lipstick and that’s it….already a hundred bucks…geez
More of the same, but very chic packaging.
And that brush will end up in the CCO so I’ll wait for it to get there.
LOL! see you there :p
CCO? What does the acronym stand for?
CCO is the Cosmetics Company Outlet. It is usually a store found in outlet malls. Old, discontinued, or overstock items from Estee Lauder companies (MAC, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder) are sent there and sold at reduced prices, usually about 30%. Hope this helps, and somebody correct/add if they noticed I missed something!
Cosmetic Company Outlet
whats funny is the name of store is actually cosmetic company store but some how cco stuck
Are the products of higher quality than usual MAC? If it is I can understand paying more for the lipsticks and glosses but if it’s not then it’s way over priced. The colors look really dupe-able as well. I’ll probably be skipping this.
The 187 brush is really gorgeous but it’s like $30 more than a regular 187. That’s a bit ridic imo.
I’ve always liked their luxe lipsticks, as they tend to be very creamy and opaque. I don’t think I’d say they’re $8 better, though.
Concur, I also depot my lipstick into my cleaned out palette so I never get to enjoy the packaging anyway. Digna is the only interesting shade for me but if it like Media I’ll pick up Media instead. 😉
you “depot lipstick” into palettes??? how do you do that?
Enkore did a tutorial a few years ago I’ve been doing that ever since. I perfer the stove top method. The only problem i rant into was MAC’s Glaze formula melts at a much lower temp and really fast. O_o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O39BjlVdyE
Also another tip: I throw my lipstick tubes in the freezer first since that way I can pluck them out as a solid bullet instead of tiring to scrape the product out of the tubes.
I also repot my lipsticks- only i use my flat iron instead of the stove. they melt almost instantaneously.
I buy extra “pots” online. Its makes it really easy for me to bring my lipsticks around with me.
Just to give you the heads up it is not like Media at all. I had a chance to try this on and IMO Media is much more brown.
I’ll keep my eye out for swatches since I’m looking for a vintage red. A more true blacken red.
I may get Digna the blackened red lipstick unless there is a perm or pro dupe for it, other than that i will be passing on this collection.
Holy cow…that brush is too spendy for me. A brush by another name or material, is still a brush lol. Just because there is a wood handle doesn’t sell me on the price tag. BUT I do love that this collection is actually different in terms of packaging. It seems that most of the time, the cases just change color and a sticker is slapped on products and then it’s a collection. Love the lines in this collection.
I wasn’t expecting the brush to be THAT expensive. I’m just totally gonna skip this one.
I want all lipglosses,3 lipsticks and brush clutch. I think 187 is gorgeous too but I already have a normal 187 :-/. Can someone explane me please what these Sheer Mystery powders actually are?
I wonder if the False Lashes mascara will be like. I normally hate MAC mascaras but I am curious about this one.
False lashes mascara is the same as the Prescriptives formula & will be out in regular packaging 12/26
Just curious how you guys found out it was the same as Prescriptives?
I’m curious about the mascara. It’s new, right? I’ve paid more than $18 for mascara and I’ve paid less so I’ll probably try this one but I’m not expecting any miracles. I’m not crazy about the lipstick colors but the glosses look nice! The 187 looks lust worthy but I’ll be skipping it. I already have a 187 and I’m more concerned with the performance versus the looks so I can’t justify buying another one.
It will also be released in December – http://www.temptalia.com/mac-false-lashes-mascara-for-holiday-2010winter-2011
It’s the same a Prescriptives’ False Lashes, though.
Thanks Christine.
Looks like a very nice collection if you have the extra bucks,personally I doubt I would run to MAC to buy, already spent too much on the previous collection.
I anticipate seeing much of this collection at a CCO in the near future.
My thoughts exactly 🙂
What is a CCO?
Pretty, but if I’m spending that kind of $$ on lipstick, I’ll probably buy a NARS. I think the price of the bag is rather ridiculous.
Shame…MACs priced me out of this one. I could have easily picked up the entire collection at normal MAC prices but going to have to pass. The packaging is lovely though.
The lipsticks all look too good for me to just say ‘No’ to just like that. Hey Christine do you know when all this hits the international shops, like in Europe?
Hi Ak,
In the post, under availability, it says December 2010 for international – that’s all the info I have right now! 🙂
the package designs are cool but by no means justify paying way more for the same usual mac products inside… PASS! waiting on the Cham-Pale collection =)
Ooh, I am very willing to part with my cash for that brush roll. I hope it’s not too compact and holds a reasonable amount of brushes, although I’ll probably buy it either way.
I was looking forward to the 187… However I think I’ll pass and get the regular version instead. I’m a bit obsessive about things matching anyway, so it might as well be the same as the rest of my collection. 😉
The logo and typography of the Marcel Wanders brand…yuck. Looks kinda cheesy; like those cheap cosmetics at dollar stores. Honestly, if there were no names and just MAC logo’s on these products, I’d be much more inclined at giving this collection a chance. When I saw early info and photos I was so excited with the sort of “spider like, Goth-ish” looking design. Now, not to much.
I agree completely! The type face totally turns me off… so cheap looking
I think the type is a play on letterforms as “art”… because even though it reads “Marcel Wanders” the M=V the a is actually an e… and the e is the a.. It’s interesting in its own way… but MAC does slip up sometimes for their packaging :T
the packaging is just so fabulous !
I cant wait to get that bright pink lipstick n gloss
OMG i love the powder package!!! i’m considering buying it, and i could just fill it with my MSF or translucent… it might be the right color for me anyhow.
its so chic but at the same time it reminds me of the new batman… i would feel so cool carrying that around in my purse 😀
I think I’ll be picking up Digna 🙂 would Love that brush and clutch but I can’t spend that on myself with Christmas so close.
I REAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLy want that brush…but DANG. 90 canadian?! that’s robbery.
I will probably just get one lipstick, maybe the mascara, and that’s it. I don’t like the look of the lip glosses and everything else is just way too expensive. I love the lipstick cases and the look of the mascara, but I don’t know how popular this collection will be. Most people can’t afford to spend that much on a powder or one makeup brush.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I will be skipping this beautiful collection. Financially, I just can’t. I really like the lipstick shades, especially Digna. :-0
I’ve never heard of Marcel Wanders but this collection doesn’t do much for me (thankfully)!
I’m actually only interested in the Mystery powder, but $60. for it is a little ridiculous. I also like the clutch and Duo Fibre brush, but it too is over-priced and I’m worried that the quality won’t be the same as the regular brushes like always.
I think I may go for the 2 middle lipgloss and that hot pink lipstick.
Hmmm, not in love with the packaging but I’ll probably pick up a couple of the lip products at least to see how luxury MAC compares to ‘normal’ MAC.
I pass. Again. I have been so unimpressed with MAC collections, packaging and actual products, and this one is no different. Maybe the lipglosses, but that’s about it :/
$75 dollarrs for a f&^%%$ brush are they crazy?!?!!
And they come out with similar shades from past collections all the time (noticing that fuscia). I will pass on this one also.
$90?! For the brush?! Really now…
I’m basically paying $100+ for this brush, because of stupid tax and all… I think I’m gonna have to skip this collection sadly.
“men are boring?” [collapse]
yeah… cause mac was built on the idea that makeup is just for women (eh-hem… that was sarcasm, just fyi lol)
i’m slightly shocked that i’m saying this (but i’m going to anyway): sexist remarks like that just struck this collection from my “to do” list.
seriously.
my wallet is happier…
There’s some nice stuff here but with Christmas coming up I just can’t afford to buy myself these things.
Honestly, I hate the packaging! I’ll pass on this collection 🙂 thankfully
yeah no…
Packaging is really neat but the price…
I wanted to buy the 187 since I don’t own it. However, after much thought (and agony) I will not be purchasing because it is just too expensive. Hopefully, it will pop up at the Comestic Company Store for 30% off. My niece works at MACYS maybe she can get a discount.
Brushes and lipsticks just look like fancy toilet paper holders.
Christine, I looked at your review’s for last year’s luxury collection, but just to be clear, are the Sheer Mystery Powders basically sheer pressed powder? They definitely don’t have my shade if so, but I’m just curious nevertheless!
Thanks again for giving your readers prompt and thorough information about new collections 🙂
Yes, that’s pretty much what they are! They are super, super sheer, very silky… but very sheer.
Sincerely, I can’t get the meaning of this type of collection. Yes, they have nice objects but… what else? Not a lot of colours, not INTERESTING colours… high prices… bah!
Gesina!!! I’ve been longing to meet with you once again since our last encounter. Indeed, I have found none that compares to you!!
OMG these prices are ridiculous, luxe or not! And to think I was berating myself for ever buying a 187 cuz it means I can’t buy this new one in good conscience…but the price alone has taken care of that! I suppose that’s one thing to be happy for! I really like the clutch but other than that I think I’ll be passing on the entire collection (as my bank account breathes a sigh of relief!).
Wayyyy too expensive for the options available. That brush is very appealing, but definitely NOT for $75.