Pop art: NARS to create limited edition Andy Warhol collection

27^th March 2012

Khaleda Rahman

Khaleda Rahman

27 March 2012

For the vast majority of us modern-art aficionados, we can only dream of owning an original Andy Warhol. However, cosmetics giant NARS have recently announced a collaboration with the late artist’s estate, so beauty and art fans will be able to get their hands on a much more affordable piece of the master of Pop Art.

NARS will introduce a new colour cosmetics range in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, due out in the US in October and internationally a month later.

The limited edition collection is inspired by the works of Andy Warhol and according to WWD, it will be the “largest strategic collaboration” launched by NARS to date.

Warhol is renowned for his iconic screenprints and his significant role in the rise of Pop Art movement in the 1950s, but his famous Factory and lavish lifestyle made Warhol a celebrity more than an artist in his time.

Created by the brand’s founder, François Nars, the collection is intended to “evoke the cool, image-rich, character-laden world” of Andy Warhol, according to the company’s description. Beauty fanatics can expect novelty packaging, rich new formulas and brand new colours.

No images of the upcoming collection have been released yet, but you only need to have a glance through Andy Warhol’s signature works to know to expect a bold and vivid colour palette.

NARS’ timely announcement follows the news that rival cosmetics brand MAC will be launching a collection inspired by the similarly iconic Marilyn Monroe, also set to debut in October. Of course, the blonde bombshell was one of Warhol’s most famous celebrity muses – his screenprints of Monroe are undoubtedly the most recognisable images of the late actress.

Founded in 1987, the Andy Warhol Foundation frequently licenses Warhol’s works for commercial uses. Past collaborators include Dom Perignon and New York perfumery Bond No. 9.

As an artist famed for his commercialisation of art, it is only fitting that Andy Warhol’s works be incorporated into today’s commodities, starting with this eagerly anticipated cosmetics range from NARS.

Khaleda Rahman