Ann-Caroline Prazan, Guerlain’s International Artistic Director, on protecting the brand’s heritage through clarity of vision WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH
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What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? When I wake up in the morning, I usually do some stretching and try to bring positivity to my day by being grateful for what I have. I never stop thinking about my projects even at night, so I like to write my thoughts in a notebook every morning. Then I drink a cup of green tea, wash my face with clear water, massage it as I was taught by Guerlain beauty coaches to sculpt my face. I take a shower perfumed with the Herbes Troublantes soap which is still in development, and a touch of my favourite perfume l’Heure Bleue, which is a true second skin to me, and I immediately feel stronger than ever.
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Natural Clarity
How have your previous roles prepared you for your current role at Guerlain? When I was working at Balenciaga, I got passionate about the story of its founder Cristobal Balenciaga, I read everything I could about his life, and most importantly, I spent as much time as possible with Mrs. Marie-Andrée Jouve, Head of Archives at Balenciaga at the time. When I joined Guerlain, I immersed myself in the breathtaking history of the house and its extraordinary legacy. Fragrances are my entire career, I have cherished them throughout my life, surrounded with marvelous people who taught me a lot, including members of the Guerlain family. I have always been deeply passionate about beauty. One of my daughters is currently studying ceramics at the Ecole Duperré, after a programme at the prestigious Ecole Boulle as arts and crafts run deeply in my family’s blood. I also studied Art History for a long time and spent most of my free time in art galleries, museums, and exhibitions around the world, like the TEFAF in Maastricht and Art Basel. I feel extremely lucky to live right in front of the Centre Pompidou which I visit at least once a week. Everything in my life prepared me for my current role. Being head of culture and heritage requires a permanent curiosity for contemporary art and the ability to seize every enriching meeting opportunity possible. What lies at the heart & DNA of Guerlain? At the heart of the house, there’s a strong family history of brilliant creators who composed
BEAUTY
5/31/22 4:59 PM
