Nars Founder and Creative Director François Nars has been awarded with France’s highest accolade, the Légion d’Honneur distinction.

The ‘Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur’ is given to any France national that contributed to the country and its ideals, with Nars receiving his award at New York’s Payne Whitney Mansion where the French Embassy’s Cultural Services is based.

He was awarded the prestigious accolade for being a ‘creative visionary’. Nars said, “I am incredibly humbled and proud to receive this prestigious award – it is one of the greatest moments of my career. France is my homeland and will always have a special place in my heart. I am truly honoured.”

According to his company, Nars ‘blurred the lines between makeup artist, photographer and creative director’ and created waves within the beauty and fashion industries.