Celebrity makeup artist, Eric Scott Ferrell just launched the Aaliyah Collection in collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, a project that has been in the works for five years. The MAC Cosmetics Aaliyah Collection sold out online in one day and has been a ‘hot seller’ since its launch on June 21.
Eric has worked with some of the industry’s hottest and most legendary artists, such as Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Brandy, Kelly Rowland, Vanessa Williams, Chaka Khan, Serena Williams, Missy Elliot, Solange, Gabrielle Union, Macy Gray, TLC, Queen Latifah, Khandi Alexander, and Deborah Cox, to name a few.
He has done work for the Emmy Awards, Oscars, Billboard Awards, for films like “Romeo Must Die,” and “Dance with Me,” as well as television commercials by Nike, Target, Verizon Wireless, McDonald’s, Sears and many more.
1. What was the process of coming up with the Aaliyah MAC collection?
MAC had already chosen their colors and textures, but I was instrumental in consulting on Aaliyah’s favorite and top looks. I aided MAC Cosmetics in putting the collection together and of course promoting the line.
2. Why have you decided to make this collection? Why now?
Definitely, the pressure from the fans, who have been talking about this for years! They even signed and sent around petitions to get an Aaliyah makeup collection. It was amazing! Why now? I think her family was fully behind it now and really, the fans had such a powerful voice that we had no choice but to present them with a great, timeless collection. Aaliyah was and still had such an iconic look.
3. What do you think Aaliyah’s opinion would be of this collection if she was still here? Do you think her look would have changed/evolved?
Aaliyah was constantly evolving and creative…she would have loved the collection! She had a natural beauty but always loved to experiment. The colors and looks of the collection are timeless…even today, they’d look current.
4. Overall, I just want to know the inspiration behind it all…the collection, how you were inspired to be a makeup artist, and what’s next for you.
I used to always practice and play around with hair and makeup for fun…my mentor, Roberto Leon brought me into the celebrity world and gave me the opportunity to work with him on set. He taught me everything. He noticed my passion and talent for makeup and trained me and gave me the platform to start my own brand. He saw my talent way before I did, and Im forever grateful to him.
