In the Taj’s Palace in Mysore, India, there are columns in the main hall that are covered in tiny broken pieces of mirror and glass in every shade of blue. It is breathtaking to look at, but one is forbidden from taking pictures so it must be an image that remains in the memory alone. Chanel’s recent obsession with these kinds of intricate details from India inspired their Paris Bombay collection, and now, their colorful new line of lipsticks, Rouge Allure. Chanel’s global creative director of makeup, Peter Philips, conceptualized this exquisite, kaleidoscopic video, available on the Chanel Makeup Confidential website. “The concept complimented the shades and the hypnotizing, psychedelic aspect fitted well with the Indian theme,” shares Philips. The video opens on the face of model, Inguna Butane, whom Philips called “The brightest sparkle of this shooting.” Her face is covered in crystal mirrors and is cast in the shadows before a spotlight illuminates her visage. It was Philips’ idea to show the prismatic nature of the lipstick by pairing it with reflective decorations, saying “I loved the sparkling, hypnotizing effect, which, unfortunately, you partially lose in a still image. When the idea of doing a film around the lipsticks and Paris Bombay started growing in my head, I actually found a platform to recreate this mirror face. The concept complimented the shades and the hypnotizing, psychedelic aspect fitted well with the Indian theme.”

The camera zooms in on the center of Butane’s forehead, and enters into the third eye, which repeats the image over and over again. It is mesmerizing to witness, especially with a soundtrack of fast-paced sitars to keep the scene moving. It was an intricate and time-consuming process creating this startling look. Philips shares the details with us: “The ‘mirror look’ isn't an actual mask. The pieces of crystals and mirrors are individually applied onto the face. The composition is created around the central mirror that's applied on the forehead as a third eye, surrounded by a peacock-tail motive. The whole face is covered with pieces of crystals and mirrors to create a mesmerizing effect. The only touch of color is the changing lip shades. The application of the crystals and mirrors took a good four hours.” Click on the video above to witness the hypnotizing effects of Chanel’s latest ad campaign, and develop a desire for the rich, glossy new lipsticks that are subtly being promoted.

written by GRACE GORDON|video: courtesy of CHANEL