Mojeh

Givenchy Beauty's Nicolas Degennes On The Power Of A Velvety Red Lip

Jul 29, 2020 | 4 min read

“Red is passion, life and love. It is one of strongest colours and at the same time the sweetest one…it is the unique colour that fits all women” — Nicolas Degennes 

Considered the smallest haute couture creation by Givenchy, Le Rouge Deep Velvet reimagines the house’s most iconic lipstick, while drawing inspiration from rich haute couture fabrics. Dressed in a red velvet case to mirror its powdery matte finish, the day-to-night shades offer a bold and sensual look that appeals to every kind of woman, according to Givenchy’s make-up and colour artistic director, Nicolas Degennes. Here, the beauty mastermind talks to MOJEH about the all-embracing, inclusive power of a red tinted lip cloaked in velvet. 

Explain what ‘Deep Velvet’ means, what can we expect from this imagining of Le Rouge?
What are the ingredients that make a difference to this formula and why?

The ingredients that make the difference are the structuring waxes that form an even, flexible and ultra light film with a matte appearance. Silicone elastomer powder that, in combination with nourishing emollient oil, creates a creamy texture that stays soft over time.

You once said: “I’m working for real women”. What did you mean by this and how does that ideal affect your work/vision?
Why red...
 
Do you think red is the right shade for every woman? 
Graine No.37 appears to be the star of the Le Rouge show. Can you tell us about this colour and why do you think it is so sought after?
How did you build out the rest of the colour spectrum? What woman did you have in mind?
The genius behind Givenchy’s groundbreaking beauty formulas, Nicolas Degennes developed all fifteen, highly pigmented shades in the Le Rouge Deep Velvet series, which includes nine recently launched hues. From the powerful L’Interdit No.36 vermilion to the subtle Nude Rosé No.12, find your rouge tint at Givenchybeauty.com