Episode 8: Lena Koro - NARS Global Artistic Director

Originally hailing from Tokyo, Lena Koro is an internationally-recognized makeup artist who moved to California to pursue her passion for beauty. Although she began her career as a hair stylist, she realized her love for all things beauty after moving to Europe where she worked in Paris and Milan on various editorial campaigns, advertising campaigns, and runway shows.

In New York, Lena began her work as the first assistant to Francois Nars, founder and creative director of Nars Cosmetics. She worked on both of his books, X Ray and Makeup Your Mind. Lena also assisted him behind the scenes of fashion shows for major design houses including Prada, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Anna Sui, D&G, Versace Versus and Alberta Ferretti. She has worked alongside Francois Nars at the Fall/Winter 2009 and Spring/Summer 2010 Marc Jacobs runway shows at Fashion Week in New York.

Her multilingual capabilities have enhanced her ability to extend her vision of beauty around the world. She has collaborated with reputable photographers with renowned international magazines such as Vogue, Vogue Italia, W, Vanity Fair, Allure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Interview, Grazia, LD, and GQ. Her fashion and cosmetic campaigns include Nars Cosmetics, Versace, Valentino, Diesel, Bally, Armani Fragrances, Akris, Saks Fifth Avenue, Club Monaco, Nike, Redken Fifth Avenue, Clariol, Hennessy, and Air France.

Lena has traveled on tour for Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, and Lil’ Kim. Her celebrity clients including Brooke Shields, Donatella Versace, Jennifer Lopez, Kir… Read More