Amorepacific has been devoted to ‘contributing to humankind by creating beauty and health through technology and devotion.’ This vocation changed over time. Now, as part of our mission of “We make A MORE beautiful world,” we are committed to discovering unique beauty and its potential. At Amorepacific, we are taking one step at a time to create a world of New Beauty, where everyone is encouraged to discover and appreciate their own true, natural beauty. There are people who share a similar path, those who are building an empire of beauty of their own. News Square visited and interviewed those who are creating beauty in different areas of the world.

Our eighth interviewee is Vanessa Seward, a venerated fashion icon from France, who has transitioned seamlessly into the art scene, capturing the essence of femininity through her artistic prowess.

Vanessa Seward is a beacon of enduring inspiration in the French fashion industry. Born in Buenos Aires and raised in London, she built a laudable career in Paris that commands both respect and recognition at the mere mention of her name. Starting in 1993, she collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld, working as a stylist for Chanel's accessory division, and worked during Tom Ford's reign at Yves Saint Laurent ultimately establishing herself at Azzaro. Following the departure of Loris Azzaro, she ascended to the position of creative director, reinvigorating Azzaro as a trendy brand adored by Hollywood glitterati, including Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman. Furthermore, her collaboration with A.P.C., a casual French brand that enjoys popularity both domestically and internationally, was a resounding success. In 2014, she reached a significant milestone, launching her namesake brand, Vanessa Seward.

What, then, does the future hold for Vanessa Seward, who ranks among the most authentically French fashion icons? Expect to see her not on the fashion runway, but amidst the vibrant milieu of art fairs. Just this past April, her premiere solo exhibition at the Mouvements Modernes Gallery, nestled within the verdant confines of the Palais-Royal garden, drew a sophisticated crowd of Parisian luminaries, including many guests ranging from renowned models and authors to designers and actors. At the bustling opening, a testament to her continued allure, she shone radiantly with her charming smile and candid demeanor. Vanessa Seward's remarkable journey, from stylist to designer and now artist, embodies a compelling transformation. We took the opportunity to delve into this dynamic shift and her burgeoning career in the arts.

Q. Over the past three decades, you have carved an extraordinary trajectory in the fashion world, one that many envy. Despite your illustrious career and remarkable achievements in fashion, you have now embarked on a new artistic journey. Have you fully relinquished your ties with the fashion industry? I am also curious about the impetus behind your transformation into an artist.

I have not entirely detached myself from the fashion world. It's more accurate to say that I am straddling both spheres. Admittedly, my primary focus now is on my painting and on building my emerging career as an artist. However, I always remain receptive to potential collaborations or new ventures within the fashion domain. After a thirty-year career, I found myself drawn to a pursuit that I could create and execute independently, something that could represent and reflect my identity sincerely. Art was the answer. My foray into painting commenced around three years ago, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a direct catalyst. My mother, an artist and painting teacher, allowed me to start painting in her studio during the pandemic. Oil painting was an entirely new frontier for me. My journey began with posting a few paintings on Instagram, which caught the attention of designer Castelbajac, which led promptly to a commission for a portrait of his wife. Although this might resemble a typical Instagram success story, it is what marked the beginning of my artistic career. Frankly, had someone suggested five years ago that I would transform into an artist, I would have found it unbelievable. I had never contemplated a career outside the fashion industry.

Q. What, in your opinion, constitutes the captivating allure of fashion that has enchanted you for so long?

Fashion, to me, serves as an instrument that elevates a woman's self-esteem. A well-fitted ensemble can amplify one's confidence, and it's this burgeoning confidence that enhances a woman's allure. Despite being innately shy, fashion offered me a platform to attract attention and develop confidence. Clothing wields a certain power: it can help cultivate confidence and shape the image we aspire to project. I sought to harness this power to uplift women. During my tenure as a designer at Azzaro, I strove to create dresses that elicited an immediate ‘wow’ from onlookers, ensuring that any woman who wore it would inevitably become the cynosure of all eyes.

Q. Reflecting on your distinguished career, which moment do you hold in high regard?

Numerous instances have etched themselves into my memory. I perceive my journey in the realm of fashion as a trilogy of distinct chapters. The first being my serendipitous collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel during the 1990s — a period when Chanel was at the zenith of its innovation. Subsequently, my alliance with designer Azzaro, leading to the exceptional opportunity of spearheading the brand, stands out as a significant juncture. Finally, the exhilarating moment when I unveiled my own label, Vanessa Seward, marks the third pivotal moment.

Q. As an artist, could you elucidate the distinction you perceive between fashion and art?

Fashion, I believe, is fundamentally a business. Each phase goes through a meticulous process of validation. A collective opinion is formed by taking into account the views of multiple stakeholders. The process of curating a single collection involves an elaborate sequence of steps. While it may seem like the designer stands alone in the limelight, the profession essentially relies on cooperative teamwork. In contrast, the life of an artist is steeped in solitude across all stages. As an artist, you are given complete freedom and spontaneity — an aspect I felt was indispensable to me.

Q. As you have charted your course in this new artistic endeavor over the past three years, could you shed some light on the decisive moments?

My encounter with Sophie Mainier-Jullerot, a revered gallerist at the Mouvements Modernes Gallery, was indeed a pivotal moment. Her guidance has been of immense value. My collaboration with Sophie's Mouvements Modernes Gallery paved the way for my participation in a group exhibition in 2021 and later to exhibit my work at the Paris Art Design Fair in 2022. Moreover, this year I was privileged to host my debut solo exhibition. Also, the commission I received from designer Castelbajac for a portrait of his wife was undoubtedly an inspiring instance, infusing me with an abundance of courage and strength.

Q. Could you describe the sensation of seeing your work displayed in harmony with other artists for the first time, particularly at the prestigious Paris Art Design Fair? I am intrigued to know your feelings upon encountering your creation amidst the distinguished oeuvres of esteemed artists.

As was the case during my tenure in the fashion realm, I have a unique intuition — a guiding light of fortune, if you will. I realized that the timing of my foray into the art world couldn't have been better. The art world is currently experiencing a revival of figurative painting following a prolonged period of abstract dominance, with portraiture gaining recognition. I posit that if my venture into this world had happened a decade earlier, circumstances might have been markedly different. I've come to understand that being 53 years old, combined with my considerable tenure in the fashion industry, has been instrumental in facilitating my fresh undertaking as an artist. My experiences with Chanel, Azzaro, and managing my brand have consistently honed and augmented my singular vision and aesthetic sensibility. Such refinement also allowed for a swift and seamless transition to the new domain of art. My experiences in the fashion industry provided a sense of tranquility and flexibility as I embarked on this new trajectory. Fortunately, the steady sales of my artwork have further solidified my confidence.

Q. I'm curious about your motivation for creating female portraits. Specifically, what elements kindle your interest?

I have always had a captivation bordering on obsession with female allure. This rings true for both my work in the fashion world and the present. The impetus behind my portrait work is a desire to seize and delineate women's beauty on canvas. The concept of beauty I harbor doesn't conform to the ideal of unblemished perfection. I have never found the oversimplified images of women — akin to the archetype of the “power woman” — appealing. For me, female beauty is ephemeral and intensely fleeting. It subtly manifests only in relaxed moments of imperfection, of unguarded self-expression. Particularly, the transient emotions that flicker in the eyes of women are, in my view, their most enchanting facet. I strive to ensnare that beauty and translate it onto the canvas.

Q. Your recent solo exhibition, Portraits, held at Mouvements Modernes Gallery, showcased the portraits of young women living in today's world. Despite being individually named Elena, Anna, and Zoe, I perceived them as reflections of the collective identity of contemporary young women. What does the modern young woman represent to Vanessa Seward?

To me, modern young women embody a delicate balance of strength and vulnerable fragility. It is the unexpected coexistence of these contrasting qualities within a single individual that resonates deeply with me. As an artist, I seize upon this captivating essence swiftly and give it expression through my paintings.

Q. Could you share more on your creative process? We are eager to learn about the sources of your inspiration and the approach you take in your work.

Photographs always serve as my references. Initially, I frequently painted women from the past whom I didn't know or couldn't meet. Therefore, I relied on photographs as visual cues and used my imagination to bring them to life on canvas. However, recently, my focus has shifted to painting living women — women I know personally. I make it a point to meet the models in person, engaging in conversations to gain a deeper understanding of their essence. Through these organic exchanges, I uncover hidden facets, fleeting impressions, and their captivating charms, which I then carry with me as I paint. Consequently, personal encounters hold tremendous importance for me. I meet many people and observe them until the woman I aspire to paint emerges. I then capture a photograph and utilize it as a reference while working in my atelier. Through this process, not only does the subject of the portrait come to life, but my unique perspective and emotions subtly find their way onto the canvas. Interestingly, my paintings often emanate a touch of melancholy — a sentiment unintentionally present. For instance, I have even painted a portrait of myself based on a photograph, and the version of me in the painting appeared somewhat sadder and more contemplative compared to the original photo.

Q. Are there any artists who particularly captivate your interest? We would love to know the kind of artwork that resonates with you personally

I hold great admiration for the works of David Hockney and John Singer Sargent. The paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which emerged during the Victorian era in Britain, also captivate my attention. Gustav Klimt's artistry has a special place in my heart, and I cannot forget the impressive portraits created by the 19th-century Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla. I also take great pleasure in exploring the many 19th-century portraits housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Growing up in an artistic household, with my mother being a painter, I developed a deep connection with paintings and art books from a young age. Our home was adorned with portraits, including those of my grandfather and great-grandfather. Additionally, we display a family portrait painted by John Ward, a renowned British artist of the 1970s, reflecting the artistic trends of that era. Interestingly, I have even had the opportunity to model for one of his remarkable paintings.

Q. You once expressed, “I was captivated by the 1970s because muses from the '70s don't age.” Could you provide further insight into your deep appreciation for the 1970s?

I wouldn't go so far as to say that my love is reserved exclusively for the '70s, but rather that there is an enduring quality, a timelessness, to the fashion and atmosphere of that era. It encompasses an image of women that transcends the passage of time — an image of timeless beauty that remains impervious to fleeting trends. While the fashion of the 1950s sought to accentuate femininity through distortion of the female form, and the 1980s embraced the concept of the power woman, the '70s exuded a more natural, emotionally evocative femininity. In the broader tapestry of fashion history, we can even draw parallels to the 1930s. Consider, for instance, women like Sylvia Kristel, who graced the screen in the film ‘Emmanuelle.’ Sensual yet never vulgar, there is an enigmatic allure to it.

Q. I'm curious about your daily life as an artist. Did your transition to becoming an artist bring about any changes in your everyday routine?

Indeed, there have been significant transformations. I now find myself in a state of greater ease and creative freedom. When working on oil paintings, I require a spacious atelier, and thus I utilize my mother's studio for such endeavors. For pastels and watercolors, I engage in the creative process within the comforts of my own home. More recently, I have also begun incorporating oil pastels into my artistic repertoire. I am naturally an early riser. Once my 13-year-old daughter departs for school, I dedicate my mornings to immersive work sessions, reserving the afternoons for outings and other tasks. I must confess that mornings often find my mind entangled in a web of thoughts, yet as soon as I set brush to canvas, a sense of serenity envelops me. Painting, to me, serves as the most exquisite form of solace.

Q. If you were to define beauty from your unique perspective as an artist, how would you articulate it?

Conventional wisdom tends to extol the virtues of symmetrical, flawless beauty. However, unblemished perfection can often become monotonous. I firmly believe that beauty emerges from imperfection. In fact, it is within what society commonly regards as flaws that one can uncover the essence of true beauty.

Q. As a designer, stylist, and artist, you possess a discerning sensitivity towards beauty. How can one nurture the ability to recognize beauty?

Developing a refined sense of beauty requires practice and training. I find myself naturally inclined to observe the world around me. It has become a habit of mine to capture moments that leave a lasting impression. Even when engrossed in a film, I often pause to freeze frames that resonate deeply within me. Upon reviewing these images, I engage in thoughtful reflection, contemplating the reasons and methods behind their profound impact. Through meticulous observation of the intricate details and the effects they produce, I strive to decipher the essence that gives rise to such captivating impressions.

Q. Is there a particular aspiration you hold for Amorepacific, a company that has pursued beauty alongside you?

Standing by women is what I long for. As I celebrate my 53rd year, it is easy for society to overlook the presence of mature women. Media channels predominantly showcase youthful imagery, often neglecting the beauty that emerges gracefully with age. However, through personal experience, I have come to appreciate the unmistakable allure of older women. This allure stems from the natural expression of a unique identity, shaped and refined over time. Regrettably, only a select few beauty brands truly grasp the significance of this, acknowledging and celebrating the beauty that accompanies a woman's lifelong journey. It is my hope that Amorepacific becomes a stalwart companion, walking alongside women every step of the way.