Jackson Wang is not afraid of a smokey eye. The global multi-hyphenate talent, who first gained popularity in China through his music and television appearances, shared how makeup is a core part of his stage prep for Vogue’s Getting Ready series.
Wang, 28, kicks off his routine with a comprehensive stretching session—a non-negotiable activity for the skilled dancer. “I always count in Cantonese because that’s my first language,” Wang says. He knows and appreciates the importance of stretching: Wang was previously an Olympic fencer. (He even turned down a chance to compete at the Olympics in order to focus on becoming a K-Pop star.)
Next up, a quick jog around the venue. Once he’s cooled down, Wang sits down in the beauty chair and gets his hair styled. “Vogue inspired the look today,” Wang says, showing off his tousled, grey-toned hair.
Now it’s on to the makeup. Wang embraces a dramatic, multi-step look for his concerts and videos—it’s a key part of building out a large-scale creative vision for his songs. “I don’t really have a reference with this,” Wang says. “It’s just a smokey eye, but I have a specific way that I want it. “It’s a lot of shadow on both eyes, but [on] my left eye, the shadow kind of fades out in the middle.” Wang chills with AirPod Pros in both ears as the creative transformation happens.
Soon, it’s time to go on stage. Wang exits the trailer in a striking look—with gothic-leaning makeup on his face and neck and a rich purple tank top. “I think I’m ready,” he says. “I just need five, ten, fifteen, twenty minutes to prep myself mentally.” It’s showtime.
Watch the full video to see how Wang preps for his high-energy performances, details on his upcoming album, Magic Man (out September 9), and how he’s learned to believe in himself.
Director: Audrey Ellis Fox
Director Of Photography: Jay Swuen
Editors: Tajah Smith, Daniel Poler
Producer: Naomi Nishi
Associate Director, Creative Development: Alexandra Gurvitch
Associate Producer: Courtney Walden
AC: Benjamin Hernandez
Sound: Glo Marie
Production Assistant: Phillip Arliss
Production Coordinator: Ava Kashar
Production Manager: Kit Fogarty
Senior Director, Production Management: Jess Schier
Senior Talent Manager: Tara Burke
Supervising Editor: Kameron Key
Post-Production Supervisor: Marco Glinbizzi
Director of Content, Production, Vogue: Rahel Gebreyes
Senior Director, Programming, Vogue: Linda Gittleson
Executive Producer: Ruhiya Nuruddin
VP, Digital Video English, Vogue: Joe Pickard
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