# Way Bandy

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**Way Bandy** (August 9, 1941[1] – August 13, 1986) was an American [make-up artist](/source/Make-up_artist). During the 1970s, Bandy became one of the most well known and highest paid make-up artists in the fashion industry.[2] Photographer and frequent collaborator [Francesco Scavullo](/source/Francesco_Scavullo) called Bandy "one of the great makeup artists of our time."[3]

## Early life

Bandy was born **Ronald Duane Wright** in [Birmingham, Alabama](/source/Birmingham,_Alabama),[4] the second of three sons of a middle-class family.[1] Bandy later admitted that his childhood was difficult as he was not interested in "traditional masculine things—fishing, hunting, baseball" like his brothers.[1][5] As a child, Bandy preferred to read, sew and take piano lessons. His love of movie magazines and the stars featured in the pages led him to begin portrait paintings. He said, "I would make them up the way I thought they should look. That's how I learned about cosmetics—it's a direct outgrowth of my painting."[1]

After high school, Bandy attended [Birmingham–Southern College](/source/Birmingham%E2%80%93Southern_College) where he was a member of the [Pi Kappa Alpha](/source/Pi_Kappa_Alpha) fraternity.[4] After two years, he dropped out to work as a department store [model](/source/Model_(person)). He later enrolled in [Tennessee Technological University](/source/Tennessee_Technological_University) where he earned a degree in education. Upon graduation, he got a job teaching elementary and high school [English](/source/English_language) in Tennessee and then in Maryland. During this period, Bandy got married. In the summer of 1965, he and his wife visited [New York City](/source/New_York_City). Bandy later said, "The minute we arrived I knew I would never go back to my former life. This was a new beginning." Bandy quit his teaching job and he and his wife separated.[1][2]

## Career

After moving to New York City in 1966,[6] Bandy enrolled at the [Christine Valmy](/source/Christine_Valmy) Beauty School. It was there that he learned about proper skin cleansing and structure and became interested in makeup application. Bandy then became the school's "dermaspecialist" and was later assigned to teach makeup application techniques to students. The school was one of the first in New York to offer such a course.[7]

Around this time, Bandy set about reinventing himself. He underwent a [nose job](/source/Rhinoplasty) and [face lift](/source/Rhytidectomy) and capped his teeth. He also changed his name to "Way Bandy" explaining, "The name just came into my consciousness." After his reinvention, Bandy never publicly discussed the details of his previous life and refused to reveal his birth name or real age.[1][8] In 1969, Bandy was hired as the makeup director at [Charles of the Ritz](/source/Charles_of_the_Ritz) where he met photographer [Francesco Scavullo](/source/Francesco_Scavullo). Scavullo was impressed by Bandy's "face designing" techniques and the two became frequent collaborators. In 1971, he left Charles of the Ritz to do makeup for the [Broadway](/source/Broadway_theatre) show *[No, No, Nanette](/source/No,_No,_Nanette)*.[9] After the show closed, Bandy began working as a freelance makeup artist for print, television and films. Bandy's work was featured in editorials for *[Vogue](/source/Vogue_(magazine))*, *[Cosmopolitan](/source/Cosmopolitan_(magazine))*, *[Harper's Bazaar](/source/Harper's_Bazaar)* and *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. He also worked with several noted photographers including Scavullo, [Richard Avedon](/source/Richard_Avedon), [Hiro](/source/Hiro_(photographer)), [Horst P. Horst](/source/Horst_P._Horst), [Helmut Newton](/source/Helmut_Newton), [Irving Penn](/source/Irving_Penn), and [Victor Skrebneski](/source/Victor_Skrebneski).[6]

Bandy's career took off when he and hairstylist Maury Hopson transformed [Martha Beall Mitchell](/source/Martha_Beall_Mitchell), the wife of [United States Attorney General](/source/United_States_Attorney_General) [John N. Mitchell](/source/John_N._Mitchell), during a photo session with Francesco Scavullo for *[New York](/source/New_York_(magazine))* magazine.[10][11] Bandy's emphasis on skin care (he used cold pressed avocado or olive oil to cleanse client's faces) and natural makeup he created and mixed himself made him a favorite among celebrities.[3] Over the course of his career, Bandy was hired by [Catherine Deneuve](/source/Catherine_Deneuve), [Farrah Fawcett](/source/Farrah_Fawcett) (Bandy did her makeup for the 1978 film *[Somebody Killed Her Husband](/source/Somebody_Killed_Her_Husband)*), [Elizabeth Taylor](/source/Elizabeth_Taylor), [Cher](/source/Cher), [Diana Ross](/source/Diana_Ross), [Lee Radziwill](/source/Lee_Radziwill), [Gloria Vanderbilt](/source/Gloria_Vanderbilt), [Crystal Gayle](/source/Crystal_Gayle), [Donna Summer](/source/Donna_Summer) and [Barbra Streisand](/source/Barbra_Streisand). In 1976, [Margaux Hemingway](/source/Margaux_Hemingway) requested that he be her personal makeup artist for her film debut in the thriller *[Lipstick](/source/Lipstick_(1976_film))*. Bandy also appeared in the film as a makeup artist.[1] Bandy also did work for commercials and television. By the late 1970s, Bandy was charging $2,000 a session for makeup application and earned over $100,000 a year.[5]

In 1977, [Random House](/source/Random_House) published Bandy's first book, *Designing Your Face: An Illustrated Guide to Using Cosmetics*. The book includes step by step techniques that teach Bandy's signature style of heavy, yet clean and all natural makeup application.[9] The book became a best seller. In 1982, Random House released his second book, *Styling Your Face: An Illustrated Guide to 15 Cosmetic Face Designs for Women and Men*. Four months before his death, he did then [First Lady](/source/First_Lady_of_the_United_States) [Nancy Reagan](/source/Nancy_Reagan)'s makeup for a photo spread that appeared in the September 1986 edition of *Harper's Bazaar*.[3]

## Personal life

Bandy separated from his wife in 1965, but the two never divorced. He began a long-term relationship with writer and antiques dealer Michael Gardine in 1973. The two shared an apartment in New York City and owned homes in [Nantucket](/source/Nantucket) and [Key West, Florida](/source/Key_West,_Florida).[1] They remained together until Gardine's death from [AIDS](/source/AIDS) in 1985.[12][13]

## Illness and death

By the mid-1980s, the [AIDS](/source/AIDS) epidemic was spreading throughout the United States and would claim the lives of many fashion industry figures.[14] Bandy's friend, hairstylist Maury Hopson, later said that he and Bandy became fearful of contracting the disease after both had what Hobson described as a "running crazy period". The two, who had never been romantically involved, decided to become [celibate](/source/Celibate) and adopted a [macrobiotic diet](/source/Macrobiotic_diet) to help boost their immune systems. Bandy was already a well known devotee to [naturopathy](/source/Naturopathy), [iridology](/source/Iridology), and [vegetarianism](/source/Vegetarianism) after he contracted [pneumonia](/source/Pneumonia) and [pleurisy](/source/Pleurisy) in 1962. He routinely soaked organic vegetables in a solution of bleach and distilled water (one half teaspoon in a gallon of water) believing that "[Clorox](/source/Clorox) raises its energy level and removes [insecticides](/source/Insecticide)."[1][7][8] He also requested bottled water when he was on tour promoting his book as he believed tap water contained impurities.[8]

Intensely private about his personal life, Bandy never publicly revealed that he had contracted AIDS sometime in the early 1980s, fearing the stigma of the disease would cause him to lose work. He and friend Maury Hobson had previously discussed their displeasure with the way that designer [Perry Ellis](/source/Perry_Ellis)' AIDS-related death had been handled and promised each other that if either died of the disease, their true cause of death would be publicly announced.[13] In June 1986, Bandy developed a persistent cough and sore throat but refused to see a doctor because he did not trust them. He instead opted to treat his ailments with [natural remedies](/source/Alternative_medicine) which did not help. Bandy's health continued to decline.[8]

On August 6, 1986, Bandy was scheduled to do makeup for a photo shoot at Francesco Scavullo's studio. When he arrived at the studio, he was too exhausted and delirious to work.[15] Concerned about her client's declining health, Bandy's agent Helen Murray called former *[Vogue](/source/Vogue_(magazine))* editor-in-chief [Grace Mirabella](/source/Grace_Mirabella) for advice. Mirabella contacted her husband, a doctor, who convinced Bandy to check into the hospital. Bandy relented and checked into [New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center](/source/NewYork-Presbyterian_Hospital) the following day.[8]

On August 13, Bandy died of AIDS-related [pneumocystis carinii pneumonia](/source/Pneumocystis_pneumonia) at the age of 45.[6] He was cremated and a memorial service was later held in [Manhattan](/source/Manhattan). His ashes, along with the ashes of his lover Michael Gardine, were later scattered in a pine forest in [Key West, Florida](/source/Key_West,_Florida) by his friend and estate executor Maury Hobson.[12] Per his request, Bandy's cause of death was identified as AIDS-related in his obituary.[16] He also requested that no survivors be named.[3]

## Legacy

Way Bandy has been cited as one of the first well known makeup artists. Hairstylist and friend Maury Hobson noted that before Bandy began his career, models applied their own makeup for photo shoots. Hobson stated, "He put make-up artists into another category. [...] He defined the career."[11] Bandy's signature techniques influenced a generation of makeup artists including [Kevyn Aucoin](/source/Kevyn_Aucoin) who cited Bandy as his personal hero.[17]

Bandy is commemorated in the [AIDS Quilt](/source/NAMES_Project_AIDS_Memorial_Quilt).[18]

## Bibliography

- [*Designing Your Face: An Illustrated Guide to Using Cosmetics*](https://archive.org/details/designingyourfac00band). Random House. 1977. ISBN 0-394-41908-1.
- *Styling Your Face: An Illustrated Guide to 15 Cosmetic Face Designs for Women and Men*. Random House. 1982. ISBN 0-394-51669-9.

## References

- Diamond, Kerry & Aucoin, Kevyn (2004). *Kevyn Aucoin a Beautiful Life: The Success, Struggles, and Beauty Secrets of a Legendary Makeup Artist*. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-743-23583-5.
- Fried, Stephen (1994). [*Thing of Beauty*](https://archive.org/details/thingofbeautytra00frie). Pocket Books. ISBN 0-671-70105-3.

## Footnotes

1. Rowes, Barbara (1978-05-01). ["If It Launched a Thousand Ships, the Face Was Probably Done by Makeup Genius Way Bandy"](http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20070738,00.html). *People*. **9** (17). [ISSN 0093-7673](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0093-7673)

1. ["Way Bandy, 45, Famed Makeup Artist To Stars"](https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/08/15/way-bandy-45-famed-makeup-artist-to-stars/). chicagotribune.com. August 15, 1986. Retrieved November 1, 2012.

1. Folkart, Burt A. (August 16, 1986). ["Worked With Nancy Reagan, Elizabeth Taylor : Makeup Artist Way Bandy Dies of AIDS"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-08-16-mn-7336-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. Retrieved November 1, 2012.

1. ["Way Bandy's death causes problems for Florida man"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19860909&id=hLofAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UtcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1040,1807074). *Gadsden Times*. September 9, 1986. Retrieved November 1, 2012.

1. Cheryl, Lavin (May 31, 1981). ["Makeup artist wields magical beauty wand"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1291&dat=19810531&id=QiJUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gY0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6530,5923314&hl=en). *Boca Raton News*. p. 2B. Retrieved May 3, 2015.

1. ["Way Bandy, Makeup Artist and Best-Selling Writer, Dies"](https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/15/obituaries/way-bandy-makeup-artist-and-best-selling-writer-dies.html). *nytimes.com*. August 15, 1986. Retrieved May 3, 2015.

1. ["Way Bandy: Beauty Is His Business"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19791228&id=QqQfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H9YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1550,5360968&hl=en). *Gadsden Times*. December 28, 1979. p. 9. Retrieved May 3, 2015.

1. Polman, Dick (November 15, 1986). ["Remembering Way Bandy Friends Recall The Makeup Artist, Who Died Of Aids"](https://archive.today/20130131064918/http://articles.philly.com/1986-11-15/news/26092591_1_makeup-artist-helen-murray-francesco-scavullo/3). philly.com. p. 3. Archived from [the original](http://articles.philly.com/1986-11-15/news/26092591_1_makeup-artist-helen-murray-francesco-scavullo/3) on January 31, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2012.

1. (Fried 1994, p. 122)

1. Norwich, William (October 12, 1997). ["Francesco Scavullo showed there was no surface in the public arena that couldn't be polished."](https://web.archive.org/web/20080628232526/http://www.observer.com/node/39737). *The New York Observer*. Archived from [the original](http://www.observer.com/node/39737) on June 28, 2008. Retrieved July 28, 2008.

1. Brett, Glass (November 2008). ["Where Are They Now?"](http://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=211127&p=40). *Make-Up Artist Magazine*. '***(75): 41. Key Publishing Group.***

1. Dullea, Georgia (May 11, 1987). ["New Rituals Ease Grief as AIDS Toll Increases"](https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/11/style/new-rituals-ease-grief-as-aids-toll-increases.html). *nytimes.com*. Retrieved November 1, 2012.

1. (Fried 1994, p. 373)

1. Chrisman-Campbell, Kimberly (April 24, 2015). ["The Day AIDS Hit the Fashion Industry"](https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/04/fashions-darkest-day/391340/). theatlantic.com. Retrieved May 3, 2015.

1. (Fried 1994, p. 371)

1. (Fried 1994, p. 372)

1. (Diamond & Aucoin 2004)

1. ["Interactive AIDS Quilt"](https://www.aidsmemorial.org/interactive-aids-quilt). *www.aidsmemorial.org*

## External links

- [Way Bandy](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0051806/) at IMDb

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Way Bandy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_Bandy) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_Bandy?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.