My Marilyn… Sophie Dahl

I have long been inspired by the special relationship between Marilyn and her makeup artist, Allan ‘Whitey’ Snyder. He became not only her makeup artist but a trusted confidant. Their relationship embodied the deep trust that exists between artist and client, something I’ve experienced myself with the clients I’ve worked with. Makeup artists support far more than appearance; they help steady nerves, inspire confidence, and create the conditions for iconic moments to happen.

When I dreamt of creating my Marilyn Monroe collection, there was only ever one person I wanted to be the Marilyn to my Whitey, for an exquisite cover shoot for Harper’s Bazaar. My brilliant, beautiful and endlessly generous friend, the incredibly talented writer, Sophie Dahl.

Sophie has written a very moving and beautiful account of what Marilyn means to her, which you can read in full here.

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‘Allan ‘Whitey’ Snyder, who did Marilyn’s make-up from her first screen test as a starlet, tenderly made up her face in the funeral home after she died. Whitey once said of her look that he could “do the whole thing in my sleep”. Every time these conspirators and creative accomplices worked together; some sorcery would take place, born of ingenuity and trust.’
Sophie Dahl

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"Lisa is a magician of this ilk. She is family to me. We’ve known each other for decades, and share an abiding love for Marilyn, and the potent force she was. We’ve collaborated on covers, campaigns, and as beauty nerds, cried over the Proustian scent of an old Arden powder compact both of our grandmothers wore.”
Sophie Dahl

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"I’ve watched Lisa grow her incredible beauty brand into a phenomenon. Working with her is a dance of trust, creativity and laughs – and this project was that in spades. It was also the first editorial job I’d done in 18 years, a testimony to our friendship.”
Sophie Dahl

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