Kate Best's Country Retreat

This week on Wynne's World we visit the stylish country home of Celebrity Makeup Artist Kate Best. Kate and I share a very close friend and have been following each other on Instagram for several years. Last summer when my usual makeup artist was not available for a photoshoot due to travel, our mutual friend suggested that I contact Kate. I had always admired her work and knew she was highly skilled however she exceeded expectations. It was an honor and privilege to work with her and she is such a lovely and compassionate human being. A consummate professional, Kate is not only talented, she has exceptional attention to detail and went above and beyond to ensure that the shoot was a success. She has since become a dear friend. I've always wanted to learn more about her esteemed career which includes loyal relationships with legendary beauty icons J. Lo and Vanessa Williams. In addition to being a top makeup artist, Kate has a sprawling country home with a menagerie of animals that she has rescued. Think Brigitte Bardot however replace Saint-Tropez with the Pocono Mountains. I asked Kate to describe her career and tell us about her country home and animal sanctuary in her own words.

Celebrity Makeup Artist Kate Best with J. Lo

Kate Best: I've been a makeup artist for 30 years now. I started out as a model and worked in Paris and other parts of Europe. I first came to New York with Richard Burbridge, a fabulous British photographer, and established myself In the editorial world with him, working for Vogue, ID Magazine and many more. Another very special reason for coming to New York from London was to design the makeup for Kiss of the Spiderman. This is where I started my career as a theatrical makeup designer and also where I met Kevyn Aucoin. He was originally asked by Chita Rivera however Kevyn was busy with Liza Minelli so I was was the next one on the list.

It changed my life! I fell in with love Kevyn instantly, like all of us did, and assisted him for a while and then was on his team at fashion week. I pretty much haven't stopped since!

I went on to design many more broadway shows but I've spent most of my career being “celebrity request”. I have had the amazing luck to spend my career with incredible iconic women who have been clients and friends including:

Vanessa Williams

J. LO

I met Vanessa Williams while working on Kiss and we have been working together ever since on movies, television shows, editorials, broadway shows and red carpet.
 
I met J. LO when she requested me three years ago for the television show Shades of Blue and I've worked with her ever since. We just finished a soon to be released movie called Marry Me and we’ll be working on another new project soon.

I feel incredibly grateful for longevity in a career that I love and have met so many dear friends and clients who mean the world to me. In fact, these woman have shaped my life.

Cut to .....Vanessa was always encouraging me to “get that horse farm” I've always dreamed of and when I finally did she bought me the most impressive cupola to go on my barn roof. It made it so real for me! She’s always been so supportive of everything I've done.

Kate with one of her horses

As time went on, I realized that in order to keep creating and working hard I needed to fill my soul and after 25 years in New York the country was calling. I made a decision, one that many people thought was nuts, however I knew it was time and what I needed to be happy and continue to be a creative active artist. I sold my Riverside Drive apartment on the Upper West Side and moved full time to the country to start my animal sanctuary. It has been the craziest, scariest most rewarding thing I've ever done and I don’t regret it for a minute. Even now with Covid and almost no work to speak of, caring for the animals has been so rewarding. The horses bound for slaughter need a soft landing and someone to give them a voice. I couldn’t look away and felt compelled to advocate for them.

It has been a very enriching though painful journey and one I know I’m meant to be on- no question! Funny where you find yourself! The mix of makeup glamming and mucking out horses stalls seems somehow to be the perfect balance!! Lol!

The simple beauty of these animals and their pure love is so inspiring and gives me such a sense of peace that I find myself also feeling the same about my humans. Caring for them and nurturing them is so fulfilling, not just on a superficial level but deeper, to me it is the same thing. The beauty business and the animals- it all makes sense!

I spend my days caring for the horses (which also keeps me very fit ) and prepping for makeup work. When I travel I have someone who stays here to take care of things. I also do the occasional wedding. The brides come here to the sanctuary for a consultation and some rosé. It’s a beautiful place for people to come and recharge surrounded by animals and nature. It really has become a very special place for both people and for the animals. We have photo shoots here on the property and soon it will be open for Airbnb (which pretty much takes care of my interior design obsession!) so we will be able to share this retreat with everyone.

I think that in these times we really need to find our bliss and when we do we need to share it and give a little back. I think that’s the magic!

You can follow Kate on Instagram and see more images of her 4500 square foot home on 17 acres here: @kateland7

From rooftop dinners as the sun sets to Sundays spent listening to Nina Simone and The Velvet Underground, designer Danielle Fichera has been quarantining in style. This week on Wynne's World, we learn more about how Danielle has been spending the summer in her chic Nolita apartment. As someone who normally travels quite a bit, this year has brought quite the change from Danielle's usual summer plans, however, she has found a way to make city living look like a luxurious vacation. The slower pace has also allowed her more time to focus on her eponymous collection of the most beautiful resort wear. Many of my favorite dresses are from Danielle's collection and her sustainable brand is also a favorite of Amanda Hearst, Indré Rockefeller and Petra Nemkova. 

(Heidi) What have you been cooking this summer? (Danielle) I have been cooking very simple and healthy food. I am an avid cook, but cooking 2-3 meals a day for 5+ months has left me to cook a lot of pasta, chicken and vegetables. I am a huge fan of the Barefoot Contessa!

What have you been reading this summer?  E.E. Cummings, Selected Poems and The Future We Choose by Christiana Figueres & Tom Rivett-Carnac

“I Wish I Knew How It Would Be To Feel To Be Free” by Nina Simone … My favorite song! 

“Girl From North Country” by Bob Dylan

“Mr. Tambourine Man” by The Byrds

“Indian Girl” by The Rolling Stones

“Piazza, New York Catcher” by Belle and Sebastian 

“Unbelievers” by Vampire Weekend”

“Quelqu’un m’a dit” by Carla Bruni

“That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” by Leonard Cohen

“Sunday Morning” by The Velvet Underground & Nico

Favorite summer beauty products? This year’s heat has left my skin very irritated. I found Chantecaille’s skincare has been very helpful to calm my skin. I recently discovered Gucci Westman’s line of makeup and have been loving her line of foundation, cream blushes and eye shadows. 

Westman Atelier Makeup

How have you been unwinding during this challenging period of time? I found that after being locked inside for over five months, I have been slowly reintegrating myself back into society … however most of my time is still mostly spent at home. I kept thinking my life would go back to the way it was, but then when July 1st hit I realized it was not going to. In order to move forward, I needed to create a new normal and a new routine in order to get my life moving along again. 

How are you making your home more comforting during this time? I have been ordering flowers from FlowerBx weekly and indulging in Jo Malone Candles … I recently discovered their Wood Sage & Sea Salt Candles (which smells like the most delicious beach!).

Danielle's sustainable collection, which is made in the USA with luxury fabrics from Italy, is available at daniellefichera.com and you can follow Danielle on Instagram at @daniellefichera_official.

Danielle's Annabelle Dress

Rolla Wazni

One of the many benefits of Instagram is having the opportunity to get to know fascinating women from all over the world. During the past week, it was so nice to learn that many of these women who I respect and admire for their style also share my values regarding equality and social justice. Rolla Wazni, who is based in Paris, happens to be one of them and I am so honored to interview her and allow us get to know her even better.

Films:

La Chamade by Alain Cavalier, 1968

Belle de Jour by Luis Buñuel, 1967

La Piscine by Jacques Deray, 1969

Les Choses de la vie by Claude Sautet, 1970

Les Choses de la vie

Dangerous Liaisons by Stephen Frears, 1988

The Edge of Love by John Maybury, 2008

The Edge of Love

Anna Karenina by Joe Wright, 2012

Atonement by Joe Wright, 2007

The Virgin Suicides by Sofia Coppola, 1999

The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola, 1972

Great Expectations by Alfonso Cuaron, 1998 

Great Expectations

Unfaithful by Adrian Lyne, 2002

9 1/2 Weeks by Adrian Lyne, 1985

American Gigolo by Paul Schrader, 1980 

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Sharon Maguire, 2001

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Anthony Minghella, 1999

The Talented Mr. Ripley

The Royal Tenenbaums by Wes Anderson, 2000

Against All Odds by Taylor Hackford, 1984

Against All Odds

Please tell us how you will celebrate Mother's Day:

My sons and I usually celebrate Mother’s Day in conjunction with the country we are currently living in. My children were born in NYC, we later moved to Barcelona, Spain and the boys are now both at University in London while I am in the US and unable to travel, due to restrictions. It was UK Mother’s Day in March and for the first time ever, I was unable to spend the day with my sons as I am in lockdown in NYC. We had a family Zoom and the boys made a beautiful painting which they sent digitally, they told me they were sending virtual hugs, a true sign of our present times. I did however, manage to have flowers delivered to my Mother in the UK. For Mother’s Day last year, my sons took me to the Bill Viola exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts in London, afterwards we had cocktails at Dean Street Townhouse then dinner and live jazz in Soho. 

The Royal Academy of Arts, London

What has motherhood meant for you?

For me, having children is such a blessing and the most precious gift in life. You become so selfless and giving, it’s a pure, unconditional love felt with the greatest intensity. I am beyond grateful to have brought two beautiful souls into this world. We have naturally experienced every emotion together and guiding them and watching them grow into kind, compassionate, smart, creative, fun, caring individuals is the most incredible feeling I could ever dream of experiencing.

My boys have always and continue to enhance my life. They are both truly inspirational as we continue to learn from each other and constantly deepen our love and respect. It is often difficult to be apart from my boys during this time, however we have such a strong and innate bond that we still feel close even when we are apart. The boys are very heavily into music, fashion, technology, art, film, cooking, literature, a whole array of exciting pursuits which keeps me very current and in tune with all generations.

What are you working on right now:

I am currently working on launching a High and Fine Jewelry Company, created and produced with consideration to environmental and social impact. I’m working with a gemologist, who is responsible for implementing the world’s first Fair Trade gem protocols, working with governments, non-profit organisations, miners and cutters globally. Ultimately, the process ensures that people and the earth are treated with respect, while focusing on truth and justice within the industry. With a focus on social awareness and Human Rights, 5% of profits from each piece sold, will go directly to UNICEF and Amnesty International. I have designed ten pieces around ethically sourced sapphires and 18-Karat Fairtrade gold and I am currently working on CAD’s and molds while illustrating the collection to capture the brand DNA and aesthetic. Of course, my initial strategy and business model now needs to be adjusted as the world and industry has changed. I have been listening to multiple podcasts, live streamings and panel discussions with industry leaders and innovative and progressive minds about how to put ideas into a new perspective and work with creative ideas to adapt to a new way of working and reassess our values.

What are you currently reading:

At the moment, I am reading a few things simultaneously, Sapiens- A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. One of my sons was reading this over the holidays this year and he was so inspired, I had to read it. I am also reading, The Cartiers, the untold story of the family behind the jewelry empire by Francesca Cartier Brickell. My boys gave me a signed copy as a Christmas present. I love theatre and have been studying acting for a couple of years and I am also reading the play, Woman Descending A Staircase by Phoebe Eaton. I extracted a monologue from the play, which I have been rehearsing during lockdown.

The Cartiers

I have been watching Fleabag, created, written and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge who is so talented. Also, I can’t stop watching The Office (American version). It’s so cleverly shot and I love the documentary style and the characters. It’s hilarious. I recently watched the film Her, featuring Joaquin Phoenix, on Netflix.

Fleabag

What are you looking forward to doing after this challenging time is behind us?

Firstly, I want to go to London and give my boys and all my friends and family a hug and celebrate being together at last. It has been far too long! My eldest son and I send each other videos constantly of places we want to travel to once this is all over. Philippines, India, Bora Bora, Brazil and Iceland are at the top of our list, it may be a dream but it keeps us going! My youngest son wants to go to Japan and I would love to take them to the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse Art site on Naoshima Island, one day.

This Spring, I will be wearing wide leg Bottega Veneta trousers with vintage Armani and Calvin Klein blazers, which I have saved since I worked there and are so timeless and current right now. I love tailoring and the sartorial look, if it has a feminine edge. I will be wearing these with my Chanel sandals and I have been looking online at vintage, resale Hermes scarves to wear as a face mask.

Calvin Klein ad blazer designed by Clemency, Calvin Klein navy blazer, Bottega Veneta wide leg pants, vintage Hermes silk scarf, Chanel sandals

What are your beauty essentials?

My favourite beauty products are Hourglass nude lipsticks, C E Ferulic serum by Skinceuticals and Shiseido eye patches.

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, Shiseido Eye Patches, Hourglass Lipstick

Who inspires your style:

My fashion beauty & fashion icons are Charlotte Rampling and Bianca Jagger. 

Bianca Jagger and Charlotte Rampling

What are your favorite cities to visit?

Barcelona, Tokyo, London, Paris, Rome and Florence.

Florence, Italy 

How do you feel that life has changed during this time of quarantine?

I think there is a general shift and re-evaluation of values and priorities right now and personally, communication and time has become even more important and more meaningful in my life right now. I am having deeper, more lengthy conversations with friends and family, now I can be fully focused with no distractions, having to run off to a meeting and cutting a conversation short. Friends from the past who I haven’t heard from for such a long time, some for many years, have reached out and it’s beautiful to hear about their lives, families, work and ideas. My entire family are obsessed with Zoom, which has become an incredibly humble, ‘show and tell’ of creative pursuits of things that they have grown, drawn, sewn, invented and painted to cooked, produced, ran for charity, designed and built under lockdown. Hours of love, sharing, appreciation, fun, creativity, giving, ideas and laughter spanning across all generations. We have promised to keep this and continue once all this is over. It has made me appreciate my family more and find inspiration in all their creative ideas, pursuits and positive attitudes towards our current situation and respect and compassion for others.