Podcast Summary: What We Wore – Episode 159: Pati Dubroff | Beauty & Being
Host: Laura Vinroot Poole
Guest: Pati Dubroff, Renowned Makeup Artist
Release Date: July 17, 2025
1. Introduction and Early Life
Laura Vinroot Poole welcomes Pati Dubroff, an exceptional makeup artist known for her work with prominent figures in fashion and Hollywood. From the outset, Pati emphasizes that her passion for beauty goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on empowering individuals to feel their best.
Notable Quote:
"I'm Laura Vinroot Poole, and this is what we wore. Patti Dubrov is an exceptional makeup artist who works with some of the biggest names in fashion and Hollywood." [00:05]
Pati shares her multicultural upbringing, being born in Germany to an American father and German mother, before moving to New Jersey. Proximity to New York City fueled her early interest in the vibrant fashion scene.
Notable Quote:
"I grew up in a kind of a small town in northern New Jersey, but I was close enough to New York City... I was always like, you, you over there. I'm coming for you as soon as I can." [00:33]
2. Initial Foray into Fashion and Retail
Pati recounts her early involvement in fashion through high school programs like DECA, where she focused on fashion marketing and sales rather than design. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for her career.
Notable Quote:
"I was studying, like, marketing. Fashion-focused marketing. Sales. Not design per se, but marketing and sales for fashion purposes." [02:15]
Working at Inwear Matinique, a Danish fashion brand, Pati immersed herself in the retail environment of the 1980s, a period characterized by distinctive fashion trends like parachute pants and oversized suits.
3. Transition to Makeup Artistry
After moving to New York post-high school, Pati shifted her focus to makeup. Her initial attempts were limited to department store counters, but her passion soon propelled her into more significant roles.
Notable Quote:
"I really was, like, hustling. I had no ethos. I was just hustling. But I loved makeup." [10:23]
Pati's perseverance led her to Bergdorf Goodman, where she received formal training from the brand, enhancing her technical skills and industry knowledge.
4. Mentorship and Growth in the Makeup Industry
A pivotal phase in Pati's career was her time assisting legendary makeup artists like Francois Nars, Bobby Brown, Kevin Aucoin, Mary Greenwell, and Susan Hauser. These experiences provided her with invaluable insights and refined her craft.
Notable Quote:
"Susan ... took me on my very first work trip to Las Vegas... she was like a mom to me." [13:36]
Working alongside Francois Nars, Pati traveled globally, participating in high-profile fashion shows and collaborations with icons like Irving Penn and Steven Meisel. This period was instrumental in shaping her professional ethos and expanding her network.
Notable Quote:
"We do everything with minimal products, focusing on natural light and authentic beauty." [16:00]
5. Moving to Los Angeles and Breaking into Hollywood
In the late '90s, observing a shift from model-centric campaigns to those featuring actresses, Pati decided to relocate to Los Angeles to align with the evolving industry trends. Her move coincided with significant events like September 11th, adding emotional weight to her decision.
Notable Quote:
"I landed a Vanity Fair Hollywood cover with Annie Leibovitz shooting... I knew this was the right decision." [23:39]
Pati's talent quickly garnered attention, leading to collaborations with American Vogue, Annie Leibovitz, and top celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Renee Zellweger. These opportunities cemented her reputation in Hollywood's beauty landscape.
6. Artistic Style and Philosophy
Pati's signature style revolves around enhancing natural beauty without overwhelming the individual's inherent features. She emphasizes creating a "heightened version" of the person, balancing perfection with authenticity.
Notable Quote:
"It's a heightened version of the real version." [35:35]
Her approach blends traditional techniques with modern needs, such as adapting editorial makeup methods for red carpet longevity.
Notable Quote:
"Merging minimalistic techniques with the necessity for makeup to last throughout a 12-hour red carpet event." [28:27]
7. Personal Insights and Spirituality
Beyond her technical expertise, Pati delves into the spiritual and emotional aspects of beauty. She believes that makeup serves as a medium for self-expression and self-love, fostering positive energy within one's environment.
Notable Quote:
"When we meet ourselves in the mirror and even for one minute, be like, hi, yeah, I know I'm older, but I still love you." [42:44]
Pati also discusses the physical and emotional challenges of her profession, highlighting the importance of self-care and boundaries to maintain personal well-being.
Notable Quote:
"Being a makeup artist is a physically challenging job, and that's why so many people have assistance with them. I was not that girl to have someone around me all the time." [36:00]
8. Anecdotes and Personal Stories
Towards the end of the episode, Pati shares a nostalgic and humorous story about her prom day in the mid-1980s, illustrating her long-standing passion for makeup and fashion.
Notable Quote:
"The makeup was so much... I had so much makeup on. So much makeup. I might have even put a ball because I'm like, oh, this is so vintage." [44:14]
9. Concluding Thoughts and Philosophy on Beauty
Pati concludes with a profound reflection on the impact of beauty rituals on personal and communal well-being. She advocates for authenticity and self-love, emphasizing that small acts like applying makeup can significantly influence one's confidence and interactions.
Notable Quote:
"What you do in the mirror lifts you up, and then ultimately you're lifting up your entire environment." [42:53]
Final Remarks:
Pati Dubroff's journey from a passionate teenager in New Jersey to a celebrated makeup artist in Hollywood underscores the blend of talent, mentorship, and personal philosophy that defines her work. Her emphasis on authenticity, combined with technical prowess, has made her a beloved figure in the beauty industry.
Connect with Capitol and Pati Dubroff:
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Produced by Capitol and Balto Creative Media. The original song "Someone so Enchanting" was composed and performed by Brit Drazda.