For most, all that remains of a runway show from world “X” are captured screenshots; a beautiful image where someone remembers a universally admired eyeliner look or a lip liner that became the trend of the moment. Meanwhile, the artistry that was layered and brought to light becomes a hidden, absent pronoun concealed behind the spotlights. Someone’s lifework is reduced to an icon in a folder titled “Oblivion.” One cannot help but wonder: does this person have an address?
Time has folded back to reveal one of the most vital figures standing behind the scenes of life, planting his right foot in raw experience and his left firmly in front of reality.
The narrative traces back over the years to where Jack Fabbro stood.
From a Biscuit Basket to a Basket of Flowers
Every journey must have a beginning, and for most who make a defining difference in the world, the inception often looks the same. For Jack Fabbro, this meant relocating what remained of his true self from Italy to the United Kingdom, specifically, London. The path was far more arduous than he had imagined, marking the initial shock experienced by every true paradigm shifter: the difficulty of leaving an old life behind, the struggle to adapt, and the profound sense of alienation.
Jack Fabbro faced a daunting challenge in searching for peers who shared his unique worldview. The irony of the situation struck him; it was entirely unplanned, especially since he had originally intended to move to UK to study fashion. Yet, fashion has long been the foundational bedrock for every creative who evolves into a multidisciplinary genius beneath the rubble. It is an industry that intersects with various professional orbits on the horizon. Circles an individual cannot fully comprehend until their feet touch its ground.
Reflecting on his expectations at the time, Jack shared:
“I was trying to make my way in my new life, without my fabrics, my sewing tools, or even my machine, and all I saw was what was actually in my hands…”
What was truly in his hands? Makeup. Makeup is one of the most critical elements of artistic composition for a model on the runway. Jack shifted his perspective toward the flip side of the story. He summarized his 2017 season as a chapter where a biscuit basket transformed into deeply rooted flowers.
Harvesting What Was Sown
The story might seem as though it is taking a conventional turn, but Jack Fabbro initiated his second beginning by enrolling in university in Brighton by 2018. That’s where his degree encompassed theatrical makeup and hair styling. Jack noted that he mastered wig-making, skin painting, and even barbering, citing punk and goth subcultures as his most enduring inspirations from the dawn of his career to the present day.
Moving from curating weekly portfolios until his graduation. He ultimately landed in a completely different valley than the one he had been traveling. He launched his career by immersing himself entirely in what he loved.
Participating in runway shows for iconic heritage houses, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Prada, and Gucci, extending to Victoria Beckham and Rick Owens. This solidified his merit in executing mandates for elite legacy brands. He proved himself as exactly the kind of talent major institutions seek to represent them during a creative renaissance.
The dynamic insertion of Jack’s artistry into houses like Prada and Gucci was never merely a career milestone; it was a profound challenge of how to preserve his rebellious spirit..born from punk and goth music..and seamlessly infuse it with intent into the blueprints of commercial luxury fashion.
The roster of talent he collaborated with within that same circle expanded exponentially to include Kylie Minogue, Vivienne Westwood, Naomi Campbell, and Lizzo, alongside Ed Sheeran, The 1975, and others. He gradually built a consecutive lineup of major commercial clients and events, starting with Adidas and Depop, and leading up to the Brits Awards.
Inside the Conservatory of Vision: “Skin, Soul, and Brush” in Jack Fabbro’s way
Fabbro describes his style as highly creative. He sees himself as a vessel through which he brings beauty to reality.
The lens focuses directly on Fabbro’s precise words here:
“I would say my style is very creative, I love colors and creating looks that enhance my models’ features. I also love chromatic metallic tones, sharp graphic eyeliners. I adore dimensional, flushed skin, and I love pigment, liner, glitter, and skin texture that is smooth like butter. My signature look is very snatched and polished, and I love working with cream and dewy products.”
What captivated his audience within his artistic vision is the honesty with which he treats his craft. He precisely articulated his preferences within his definitive identity as an MUA. His work became distinguished by models who served as living manifestations of his philosophy. From buttery skin textures, snatched configurations, and polished perspectives designed to accentuate features and establish the sovereignty of the “authentic.” He allows his models to appear exactly as they are. Yet elevates the features of each soul in a way that differentiates it from all others. This is his foundational law.
An Antique Ink Brush
Following this, everything was absorbed into the collective memory of perception. The work environment played a monumental role in shaping the artist he is today. From his initial observations to the refinement of his signature style.
After serving as an assistant to world-renowned makeup artists such as Lauren Parsons, Lucy Bridge, and Thomas de Kluyver, reaching all the way to Isamaya Ffrench, Thom Walker, Lucia Pica, as well as Yadim and Daniel Sallstrom, he formed his foundational perspective on the industry. He observed that every expert viewed the craft through a highly distinct lens, defined by a unique spirit and a different brush. Some prioritized absolute precision and immaculate execution, while others championed vision and raw creativity as non-negotiable elements.
Fabbro expressed:
“The artist’s job is to bring the team’s vision to life, in a collective effort to evoke different emotions and memories using the wealth of knowledge they have gathered from years of experience and love for different worlds; from cinema to theater or popular media like anime and TV shows.”
Jack highlighted the crucial importance of sensing the lasting impact an artist leaves. On both clients and fellow collaborators, asserting that the ultimate priority is breathing life into the team’s collective spirit. A quality he confirms, Its a vital to the final output. Elaborating further on his interpersonal approach, he added:
“Since I started, I have learned how to understand clients, ask for their opinions, and absorb their vision. I love communicating and instilling reassurance in people. I have a very light and gentle touch, and I make sure to keep the process fun and playful, yet comfortable and calming at the same time. Applying makeup should be an joyful experience, and having an open conversation about what you desire and how I can bring that desire to life is vital to me!”
A Message in Residual Ink
Reflecting on what Jack represents today to aspiring makeup enthusiasts and individuals passionate about navigating multiple creative fields simultaneously. He wanted to offer a guiding blueprint..a definitive distillation of everything he has absorbed throughout his trajectory:
“If you want to break into the fashion and music industries, my advice to you is to have a very strong vision of what you want out of this field. Hard work is truly all it takes to break through this industry. It is a highly challenging job that involves a lot of travel, meeting a lot of people, and learning how to read the vibe and atmosphere of every space you find yourself in. Reaching out to other creatives, organizing test shoots, building a strong portfolio, and meeting people is the ultimate key.”
Breaking every cyclical loop that holds a key was the true beginning. For the blooming of every soul, body, and brush.Perhaps, Jack Fabbro had a hand in validating that very idea.
