Enfnts Terribles

Dior Backstage launched with the idea of bringing backstage expertise to everyday beauty. How has that vision evolved over the years?

“When we first launched Dior Backstage, it was our way of staying relevant in a rapidly changing beauty landscape. As a heritage brand with a strong, global presence, there’s always the risk of becoming too institutional, too classic or even outdated. Backstage was our answer to that: a line born from professional expertise, but designed to be accessible and playful.

Fast forward, and we’re speaking to an entirely new generation. These are digital natives who’ve been watching makeup tutorials since they were six, and by age twelve, they often know more than I did when I started out professionally. They’re incredibly skilled, and they demand performance, quality, and creativity. So we updated the Backstage line, not just with new shades and textures, but also with packaging that feels more current. Slightly less ‘pro kit’, slightly more playful, but still anchored in quality. I don’t create products to go viral. You can’t force a trend. We stand for timelessness, not gimmicks. And with this relaunch, we’re giving both loyal fans and new beauty lovers the tools to play, create, and express without compromising on performance.”

The Rosy Glow Stick adapts to the skin’s pH. How important is innovation in makeup today?

“First of all, I’m not a chemist, I’m the creative director. So while I don’t develop the formulas myself, I do get to witness the incredible innovation that goes into them, and I’m always in awe of what our labs manage to achieve. When I first came across pH-reactive products, even before I joined Dior, I was fascinated. How could a formula truly adapt to someone’s individual skin tone? In the beginning, pH-reactive makeup often leaned towards cooler undertones, think bright pinks or icy tones. That was simply a limitation of the technology at the time. But with years of research and close collaboration with our labs, we’ve managed to crack something really exciting: a pH formula that can also produce warm undertones. That’s a huge step forward.”

What’s even more impressive is that we developed this while staying true to the Rosy Glow DNA, keeping the effect fresh and natural while also improving performance. And all of this had to meet extremely strict international regulations, since we launch our products worldwide. That means even our internal safety and quality standards are higher than required, to ensure the formula is compliant everywhere. The new Rosy Glow Stick is the result of all those years of patience and technological advancement. Innovation is absolutely essential in makeup today.”

How do you ensure Dior Backstage products are inclusive of all skin tones?

“With this new launch, I’m especially happy with the shade range we’ve developed. For deeper skin tones, we have some stunning options. One of my favorites is the Black Cherry Glow Stick—it’s rich, flattering, and blends beautifully on darker skin tones. We also created a matching Lip Glow Oil in Deep Cherry, which pairs perfectly with the stick or can be worn on its own for a glossy, natural finish. And if you’re looking for something with a rosier undertone, Rosewood is a gorgeous deep blush that complements warm and cool undertones alike.”

If you could give one message to young people looking to express themselves through makeup, what would it be?

“Oh, it’s just makeup. Don’t be afraid. We all make mistakes, it’s part of the process. And yes, there might be moments where you’ll look back and feel a little embarrassed about a bold choice or an over-the-top look. But trust me: in the long run, you won’t remember the mistake, you’ll remember the joy, the creativity, the fun you had. I started experimenting in the late ’80s, I remember going out with friends on weekends, doing each other’s makeup, messing around with hair and looks. At the time, we felt invincible. Then, a few years later, I’d look at the pictures and think, ‘Oh my God, what were we thinking?’. But now, decades later, I see those photos again and I think, ‘Actually, we looked pretty cool.’ What sticks is not the look but the feeling you had wearing it. Makeup is a powerful tool to express who you are, how you feel, or who you want to be that day. It’s about creativity and growth.”