ATLANTA – Darnell Henderson, the African American creator and CEO of H.I.M.-istry the men’s signature skincare line sold at Macy’s, hosted the first of five national casting calls. A long, diverse river of male models from all ethnicities stood hundreds deep outside Macy’s at the popular Lenox Square shopping mall in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead district. Each was hoping to be chosen as one of the 12 finalists who will compete to be the sole face of H.I.M-istry.
Henderson says they’re looking for a model with a universal look that will convey H.I.M.-istry’s everyman properties. A five-person panel of celebrity judges invited each candidate to answer questions about their experience and the H.I.M.-istry brand.
“Macy’s is very proud to be the launch retailer for this exciting new product that was designed by a black man for men of all colors,” says Gail Nutt, Macy’s senior vice president for community affairs and diversity. “It is critical to us that we have the products that our customers [desire]; that we are bringing them an exclusive assortment of products that fit their particular lifestyle. Macy’s is very committed to diversity and that is building relationships with minority- and women-owned businesses.”
Henderson developed the H.I.M.-istry skincare line in his Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based spa for all ethnicities, skin types and conditions, including ingrown facial hairs, discoloration, dry, oily, acne and aging skin. Even though Henderson always believed this day would come, having a national model call to find the face of a product line he invented made his dream a reality. “You know what? We’ve been in Macy’s going on 18 months. And it feels just like the first day that we launched,” says Henderson, a licensed esthetician. “That excitement continues to brew. It’s such a miraculous event today.”
Henderson expects H.I.M.-istry to become a mainstay in Macy’s for years to come. – terry shropshire
Macy’s will also host H.I.M.-istry casting calls for male models at stores in Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. and Miami in the upcoming weeks. Check your local listings for details. –terry shropshire
