The words ‘icon’ and ‘iconic’ get used a lot. I am a big fan of both, but I try to ensure that my usage is correct, apt, warranted. Someone or something iconic is instantly recognisable as a signifier of a specific trend, moment, era, decade. For me, Stila Cosmetics is iconic of the time that was the NINETIES. From the genius cardboard packaging (which could really do with coming back right?) to introducing multi-tasking products and cool-without-being-gimmicky click-able Lip Glaze pens - it was a brand born out of consideration.
The person responsible for this innovation is Jeanine Lobell. She launched the brand in 1994 and sold it to Estée Lauder in 1999 for a sum I couldn’t manage to squeeze out of her when she appeared on the podcast.
Even since posting my video clip - kind of historical and definitely fun - I have had people commenting on how the products made them feel and how they look back on it with fondness. I think much of that nostalgia is rooted in ‘the Stila girl’, these wispy creations that would adorn the packaging for many years, even once Jeanine left the brand in the mid 2000s.
One of the artists who worked with Stila in the very early days is Jeffrey Fulvimari. When I looked him up I quickly learned that, not only was he an illustrator, he’d also modelled for Calvin Klein alongside Kate Moss (below). Of course that fact made me dig a little deeper, and I reached out to Jeffrey in the Instagram DMs. He shared so many amazing stories with me, and credited Jeanine with giving him his first job - one that he still does today, 30 years on, so I wanted to share some of those stories right here. Scroll down for some screenshots of Jeffrey’s story, including how he created the Stila girls, and how his friend, the equally iconic photographer and director David LaChapelle (!!!!!), encouraged him to become an illustrator.
You can listen to episode 202 in full anywhere you like to listen, or you can check it out below.
Below is the accompanying video where Jeanine shares a truly amazing story of working with Naomi Campbell. I’ll also be sharing a little bit more over on TikTok so if you’re not following, you know what to do!
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