I had simply moved to Los Angeles once I bought the decision to work with Kirsten Dunst for the Dick premiere. She was a young person on the time and truthfully, the most effective purchasers you can ask for—younger, genuinely into make-up and up for something. When you could have somebody that open to attempting one thing, you’re taking the swing.
My concept was physique artwork within the type of a glistening dragonfly. I sketched it out—I feel I nonetheless have that sketch someplace; I’d need to dig—and despatched it to her PR workforce. They beloved it instantly.
Then, it bought sophisticated. Kirsten was down in San Diego capturing Cheer Fever, which might later change into Carry It On, and it was a shoot day. For some time, it was genuinely up within the air whether or not she’d even make it to the premiere. The answer was very 1999—they despatched a helicopter to fly her to LA. I did her hair and make-up, dragonfly included, in two hours flat. Insane, trying again.
Right here’s the half I nonetheless take into consideration. The unique plan was constructed round a strapless gown, and the entire level of the dragonfly was to be absolutely on show. After we truly bought into the room to get her prepared, I noticed that that they had swapped it for a gown with skinny straps. If that occurred to me right now, I’d drop the physique artwork completely. It simply doesn’t sit proper to have skinny straps reduce throughout it. However I used to be younger, and I’d already constructed this entire plan in my head, and I wasn’t about to desert it. I nonetheless take a look at images from that evening and suppose it appears to be like a bit off. No one else appeared to care, although—individuals beloved it.
What I bear in mind most isn’t even the gown drama. It’s that USA Right this moment needed to speak to me concerning the idea afterward. I’d barely been in LA for a minute, and I used to be in my 20s. That was one of many first occasions I’d gotten any actual press, and I used to be thrilled about it in a manner I don’t suppose I’ve ever fairly outgrown. It was a very huge deal for me, and it nonetheless is.
It’s humorous what stays with you (and what can preserve you up at evening)…the dragonfly I’d by no means do the identical manner twice, and the cellphone name from a reporter that made a 20-something make-up artist really feel like he was truly doing one thing in a brand new metropolis he’d in the end name house.
Getty Photographs / David Keeler
Getty Photographs / Steve Granitz
