We caught up with makeup artist of the moment Thoa Tran to ask her what it’s like to spend a day in her rather fabulous shoes.
Today I’m… in Milan for the Giorgio Armani Prêt-à-Porter Autumn/Winter 2012 Show.
I’ve been up since… 4am this morning-getting ready, checking emails, and drinking a large cup of hot water before an early 6am Make Up call time.
My working wardrobe is… classic, feminine and black. I’m the opposite to a lot of makeup artists backstage – I love to wear makeup and it’s always style over comfort for me. A typical work outfit is my favourite Balenciaga dress cinched in at the waist with a Chloe belt, black tights and my Burberry Leather knee high boots.
I’m always the one with the… curled hair and custom eyelashes I make myself from individual lashes. The other thing I’m never without is my gold Hermès Kelly padlock watch, which was a 28th birthday present to myself.
I’m really looking forward to… the moment backstage just before the show begins – the air is filled with excitement, anticipation, madness, last-minute touches and nerves. The models are all lined up, dressed and ready to go, hair and make up completed – every element has come together.
I couldn’t work without… my make up brushes, Giorgio Armani foundations, Crema Nera Skincare, my iPhone and lots of water.
My nine-to-five idol is… the amazing makeup artist, Linda Cantello. Her eye for colour, detail and true artistry is something we all aspire to, and when you work as part of her team you are constantly growing and learning in every creative aspect.
My inspiration comes from… my kind and beautiful parents who came to the UK as Vietnamese Boat People Refugees in 1979. They came here with my two older sisters, who were babies at the time, with absolutely nothing. Hard work and determination meant they provided their eight children with a loving family home and an outlook on life that anything is possible with hard work and love.
I got my big break from… a body paint project I did whilst studying at the London College of Fashion. My visual was chosen for the invitation to our end of year exhibition and the HND Theatre Makeup exhibition. It was then spotted and featured in ‘Future Map 2000,’ a showcase for the next generation of artists and designers.When I interviewed for Armani Cosmetics, the person I met told me she had been sent the invitation and had loved it so much that it was pinned up above her desk, and yes I got the job!
If I wasn’t here I’d be… shopping in Selfridges, it’s my favourite store in the world. I love their sales for great designer bargains. In the last sale I bought a Victoria Beckham coat and clutch bag, 3 pairs of Mulberry gloves, a Stella McCartney dress, Lanvin slippers, Maison Martin Margiela sheepskin iPhone holders and numerous presents for everyone I love. One of the things that gives me the greatest joy in life is giving gifts to everyone. I always dream of having a house with a room entirely for presents alone – a place I can leave all my shopping bags and where I would house all of my beautiful gift bags and wrap.
When I clock off I’ll… slip off my heels and get into my Uggs or MBT boots. It’s very important to look after your feet and back as a makeup artist – arnica gel is a godsend. I’ll then head to lunch with my two makeup artist friends Cesar and Eoin where we relax, catch up, discuss how today went, and share any backstage gossip.
If you want to know what was in Thoa’s makeup kit, you can take a look here…
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