Journalist Rachel Felder’s truly fascinating 2019 book Red Lipstick, An Ode to a Beauty Icon made a very strong case for her subject’s profound and resounding influence on the larger culture, from royalty to Hollywood idols to pop stars and beyond. And as the campaign film for the new Dior Addict Stellar Shine lipstick opens by zooming in on actress Anya Taylor-Joy, her lips as red as roses (and an overlaid voice posing the eternal question “What? Is? Love?”), it’s clear that’s not about to change any time soon. To be sure, the shot seems instantly iconic.
Of course, the luminous Ms. Taylor-Joy was rocking those same red lips on the Oscars red carpet this past Sunday, along with a gorgeous, partially sheer black Dior number which Vogue called “a statement.”
But just in case that wasn’t enough star power for you, the campaign also features Korean singer Jisoo of K-pop superstars Blackpink, as well 19-year-old French modeling sensation Sharon Alexie. Each has such a distinctive look and vivid personality, that the 30-second clip feels like it’s going to leap out of the screen at any second. Seriously, we can’t remember when lipstick has looked so exciting as it does here. (Same goes for the still shots by venerable fashion photog Liz Collins.)
Dior Addict Stellar Shine is the handiwork of Peter Philips, Creative/Image director of Dior Makeup, and was developed with ninety-percent natural components – so it boasts as much substance as it does style.
But surely a very French voiceover in the campaign film sums it up best: “How do you say, ‘Dior Addict?’ It’s time to shine.” It most definitely is.
