Behind the Lens and the Lines
Renowned fashion makeup and hair artist and writer James Weis takes readers on a captivating journey through the 80's and 90's countercultural epochs of high fashion, offering an intimate glimpse into the glamorous but tumultuous world of the industry.
In his engaging narrative, Weis delves into the darker and brighter sides of the countercultural wave of the hedonistic SEX, Drug, and Rock and Roll era of the 1980s and early 90s. Studio 54, Area, Danceteria, and Paris' Le Bain Douche were the epicenters of this glamorous chaos, where agents exploited underage models and fees for paradigmatic photographers, models and makeup artists fees skyrocketed. Linda Evangelista's infamous declaration, "We don't get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day," epitomized the excess of the time while others spiraled into expensive rehabs. Instead, Weis took notes, and after two decades of journaling, he has now sharpened his pencil to craft an inspired tale.
Central to Weis' narrative are influential figures and events that shaped his journey. Annie Flanders, founder and editor of Details Magazine, played a pivotal role in his life. Details showcased the likes of photographers Steven Meisel and Bruce Weber who shot stars like Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, and Courtney Love for its grainy-textured covers. At the same time, columnists Steven Saban and other Annie-inspired writers covered renowned artists like Keith Haring, Julian Schnabel, and Basquiat. Annie, a doyenne of Andy Warhol's downtown Manhattan, was not only a mentor to James but a source of enduring writing advice: "Write—and write some more—we can always take it out."
Weis's narrative also touches upon an encounter with best-selling author John Berendt, who imparted invaluable words of wisdom. Berendt's words, "Write the kind of book you like to read," inspired Weis to embark on various literary projects, including his current work, The Boy in the Hemlock Tree, a work of fiction based on concealed real and imaginary events.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Weis' talents extend to the world of beauty and fashion, as he contributed hair and makeup text for the world's first fuller figure model, star Ann Harper's The Big Beauty Book, in 1983. His creative ideas earned him credit in Elizabeth Geitz's non-fiction work, I Am That Child, published in 2012.
As Weis continues to shop his latest work, The Boy in the Hemlock Tree, readers can look forward to more compelling stories from his pen, including The French Violinist, The Mascara Chronicles, and Wounded Birds: The Inn on the Blue Horizon Story with the tantalizing possibility of a bonus cookbook. Watch out for exciting excerpts from The Boy in the Hemlock Tree, an enchanting blend of fact and fiction, coming soon!
James Weis is an accomplished fashion makeup artist and writer who has journeyed through the vibrant worlds of fashion and literature. With a passion for storytelling, he weaves his experiences and encounters into engaging narratives that captivate readers and bring the glamour and intrigue of the fashion industry to life.
