Scene: Celebration of the Life and Work of Joey Mills. Joey was the first black makeup artist with a focus in fashion and editorial. The co-hosts, Vanessa Noel, Luxury Shoe Designer, Hotelier, Gallery Owner, and Philanthropist; and Barry Weinbaum, Creative Consultant; created a touching remembrance environment to honor Mr. Mills. The venue was at Vanessa Noel’s townhouse on the Upper East Side on April 2, 2022 which would have been Joey’s birthday. A memorable evening. Joseph R. “Joey” Mills of New York, NY passed on March 10, 2021 (note the photos below the words of the obituary). The tribute was delayed due to the pandemic. The walls were full of Joey’s makeup artistry including covers from Bazaar,Cosmopolitan, Essence, Glamour, Life, Mademoiselle, and Vogue magazines. Joey Mills was the groundbreaking African American makeup artist whose career broke down barriers. His fresh approach to makeup, coined as ‘natural glamour’ in his book New Classic Beauty, made him very popular with designers, notably Calvin Klein. Their work together started an eyebrow trend that is still popular to this day, as he preferred a full brow that was groomed and defined but kept natural in appearance. No dramatic arching or bleaching, which were popular at the time. Joey designed the makeup for the iconic 1980 ad campaign for Calvin Klein Jeans, featuring a young Brooke Shields and shot by legendary photographer Richard Avedon. Mr. Mills was lead makeup artist at runway shows for Calvin Klein, Valentino, Versace, Bill Blass, and Oscar de la Renta. He also designed the makeup for Cecily Tyson’s character in “The Corn is Green” on Broadway, the cult classic film The Eyes of Laura Mars, and several TV productions. At his peak he had over 1,600 magazine covers, more than any other makeup artist at that time.
Scene: Elaine Korn, Joey Mills, and Sheila Johnson circa 1985. Joey, makeup artist, had just finished working with Bill Cosby who wrote Leonard Part 6 (1987) and Sheila, actress, had just finished a film starring Eddie Murphy Coming to America (1988). Elaine Korn was a good friend and Joey’s representative for a period of time. She was not able to attend this event, but sent Barry Weinbaum, co-host, these heartfelt words to read — I am so disappointed I will not be there to celebrate, not mourn, the life of Joey. But I am certainly there in spirit. With all my complaining to you over the years, with all the drama, with all the “on edge” adventures I am so glad to have known Joey. He was a force to be reckoned with and lived passionately and always full of life and glamour. Once when I told him “Joey they are going to turn your electricity off if you don’t do this job” he said “so I’ll live by candlelight. More romantic.” You can’t help but smile. The sun is shining down today my friend. I hope you can see from above how loved you were. We all honor you in our own way. Your work was groundbreaking especially for the black community. Your love for life lives on in the people who respected and loved you. Happy birthday, darling. I am wearing the lipstick you gave me today and will always think of you telling me “never go anywhere without some lipstick on your lips. Even if your house is on fire.” Happy happy birthday. Love and more love, Elaine