DJ Nikki Pennie Gives Good Booth Face for Dior Beauty:
By RACHEL BROWN
Nikki Pennie is dropping the beat for Dior Beauty. The stylist-
turned-DJ has signed on as ambassador for the brand, a post
formerly held by fellow Brit and DJ for the fashion set Harley Viera-Newton.
"When I started DJing full-time professional(ly] about two years ago,
I was like, 'Oh my God, my dream is to have an ambassadorship like
she had with Dior Beauty.' It's the ultimate brand for me. I have
always wanted to work with them," said Los Angeles-based Pennie.
DJ'd for them a couple of times and, when it came up that they were
looking to fill the position, I was so happy that it worked out. I have
been wearing Dior for a while to DJ big events, so it just kind of
happened organically.
Pennie gives kudos to Dior Beauty for thinking outside the box for
their artist affiliations. "It's smart and cool that Dior does this with
DJ's. It's something very modern. A DJ before was someone who just
played the music. They wouldn't have a persona. Now, I go to a party
and wear an elegant dress, and set the tone. You are a reflection of
the event." she said. "Whatever you wear - the makeup and the
clothes - is so important because everyone views that. It's almost
like a different form of a catwalk show." As a DJ, Pennie underscored
that music and makeup go hand-in-hand.
"With DJ'ing, your face is one of the main things on display. I call it the booth face.'
It has to be something dramatic at night for parties. I like to do a dramatic eye or maybe
a lip. I play around with it." she said. "People think it is hilarious
because I will open my case to get my mixer out, and there will be
all this makeup. I have my stash of makeup with my audio equipment
because one of the key things is to apply it sneakily underneath.
Dior Beauty products help Pennie endure lengthy DJ jobs. "The [Dior
Addict] Lip Glow really helps because I get dry lips. You have to have
something that you put on that doesn't need much maintenance. That
really nourishes your lips and gives them good color." she said. The
Fix It 2-In-1 Prime & Conceal is also a favorite. "For a DJ that works
long hours, it is amazing. It hides all your dark circles. I literally use
that religiously," said Pennie.
Inside the DJ booth, Pennie's hair is as striking as her makeup. She
credits colorist Tracey Cunninghamwith creating her vibrant red
tresses. "When DJ'ing started to take off for me, I told Tracey, 'I need
something that you can see from the booth.' She was like. "I don't
know about red Nikki. It can go either way.' She did it, and it has
literally changed my life," said Pennie. "I get more compliments on
my hair than anything else. It has made me stand out as a fashion
DJ. It became my trademark.