"Secrets of Shining Women" is an interview series introducing women who excel in various fields, including work and home. Our third guest is Rie Omoto.
THREE, a cosmetics brand launched in 2009, has captured the hearts of many women with its concept of "NEW ATTITUDE FOR BEING NATURAL," and the brand now has 27 stores nationwide, primarily located in department stores. Rie serves as the brand's makeup creative director. We spoke to her, who is at the forefront of "shining women" on the global stage.
- Was the first turning point in your career when you moved to the UK at the age of 19?
I was a big fan of David Bowie and the Sex Pistols, so I always wanted to visit London. I came across the fashion and culture magazine i-D there and was deeply influenced by it.
The makeup on the models featured in i-D is simply amazing! I was so impressed by this that I began to consider becoming a makeup artist as a career.

--After that, I returned to Japan and was working as a hairdresser in Okayama when I heard that British makeup artist Linda Gantello, who was active in Paris at the time, was holding a seminar, so I went to France. This was also a major turning point for me.

Financially, it wasn't easy, but I really wanted to attend, so I went!

--And then Linda noticed your makeup and asked me, "Why don't you come to Paris?" I heard that you immediately began following her around Paris Fashion Week. That was the moment you took your first step onto the world stage.

I learned a lot from working on makeup for shows at renowned fashion houses. I later moved to New York because I met photographer Richard Avedon. I thought the open atmosphere of New York suited me.

--Let's go back to your work as a makeup artist. In the editorial world, your makeup has graced international fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle. What's your favorite recent work?

I created the cover and cover story for Numero China, starring Guinevere Van Seenus, who also models for THREE. It's incredibly beautiful and unique. I also completely changed the image for the Air France ad this time. I shot a series of different scenes, so I think you'll enjoy them. For Harper's Bazaar, I used THREE's new eyeliner. I'm proud of all the images.

--How do you put together makeup for such work?

For editorial work, I have a story in mind, and I imagine the woman who should be in that story. I discuss in detail with the editors what the scene and story are. I want to take responsibility and do work that I'm satisfied with.

In the past, there were times when I had a lot of free time, so I didn't pick and choose the jobs that came my way, but gradually I began to think that being picky was also a kind of courtesy for both of us. When we get to the set, we give 100% and do our best, but even then, it would be bad if we felt like something wasn't quite right. So to avoid that, I choose jobs that I can work on passionately, knowing that I can do a good job with the models and stylists involved.

After all, it's not good for me to spend my precious time on work that I don't think is cool.

--When you're busy, you can sometimes neglect things, even if you don't mean it.

That's right. When you're working every day and you're too tired, I feel like the energy you put into your work gradually fades. So I've come to think that doing three jobs that you can really concentrate on is better than doing ten jobs, because it makes both of us happier.

--RIE, do you personally have any other ideas?

I'd like to start a small school that covers makeup, hair, and fashion holistically. At existing makeup schools, students graduate and work as assistants while studying for the job, but that makes me question the role of school. I think it would be great if there was a school where students could learn things they could put into practice immediately after graduation. That's because schools only teach makeup. At traditional schools, the textbooks aren't updated and the teaching methods remain the same, so they become outdated and students can't apply what they learn in their work. What's more, makeup and hair only teach from the neck up.

--What do you mean?

It's far removed from fashion and lifestyle. For example, even if you say makeup that goes well with a dress, there are times when a red lip is better and times when a nude look is better, and it also changes depending on whether it's daytime or evening, right? To answer the question, "What kind of makeup and hair are appropriate?", you need to consider the context of the clothes you'll be wearing and the occasion.

--Unfortunately, that kind of thinking hasn't been present in schools up until now.

Yes. So I think it would be great if we could teach everything, including fashion and the scene, and if we could learn things like becoming a makeup artist, hair stylist or stylist's assistant while we're at school after graduating. You can absorb a lot when you're young, so I've always thought it would be great if schools could teach both academics and the industry.

In the second half, we'll hear about your philosophy on makeup and beauty.