Meet Shana, the Artist & Vintage Maven Behind Fox & Doll
I often tell people that being an artist starts the moment the artist is born. That theory holds true with this week’s featured artist who feels like they’ve been creating their whole life. At the tender age of 13, Shana Astrachan started making jewelry when they found some dusty books and jewelry making tools in her parents basement.
Shana’s talents span beyond jewelry-making; she delves into vintage fashion and a successful makeup career, which has garnered recognition in commercials, magazines, and movies, including “Oppenheimer.” Her diverse skill set is a testament to the power of curiosity, demonstrating that one can master various crafts.
Shana Astrachan of Fox & Doll – photo by Vita Hewitt
“I started my jewelry line in 1996, the year I moved to San Francisco. I’ve also always worked with my hands in all types of arts and crafts, knitting, sewing, crochet, pastels and any materials I could get my hands on over the years. Sewing has been a big obsession the past few years, making bras, underwear, caftans, vintage style dresses and of course many face masks in 2020 and 2021,” says Shana.
How Fox & Doll Got Started
As mentioned before, Shana is known for lots of different things but that includes a career as a makeup artist. Notably, her work on “Oppenheimer” added a prestigious entry to her IMDb profile right alongside her work in Nash Bridges.
Fox & Doll – Makeup, hair & art direction: Shana Astrachan – photo by Kristin Cofer
“While running my jewelry line, I was working for a packaging design company and wanted to transition into cosmetics packaging and product development. I wasn’t getting the jobs I was seeking so I decided I wanted to get an insider’s view about ingredients and product knowledge in cosmetics, so went back to school to get my estheticians license. This covers working in the fields of skincare and cosmetics. I quickly fell in love with doing makeup and when I was done with school I worked as an assistant on a locally filmed feature written and directed by local drag celebrity Peaches Christ.
That was in 2009 and have since been working in the makeup and hair field doing everything from feature films, weddings, commercials, live TV, private clients, the SF Ballet and Opera and so much more. I even worked one day on the background actors of Oppenheimer which was exciting to recently add to my resume and IMDb profile. I have also taught my Beauty School Rebel makeup and hair series in San Francisco for years and like to think I’ve expanded the knowledge and confidence of many makeup wearers in my community. My passion in the world of makeup and hair is doing vintage looks, but I love doing all types of looks and styles. I even worked on an Alice and Wonderland themed event recently.”
Shana Astrachan of Fox & Doll – photo by Vita Hewitt
“I would say the most surprising and exciting day I spent working was a few years back with Tony Harding. She was doing a Q&A at the Alamo Drafthouse (my favorite theater to see movies at) when “I,Tonya” was showing. I did her makeup and hair for the event, and ended up also helping her decide what to wear. She was so warm and welcoming and I had such a fun time working with her. Another career highlight was the time I worked with famed fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier on an editorial shoot for Vogue Magazine, one for the books!”
Shana’s heart belongs to the 60s
“The 60’s definitely has my heart. It is the music and style of this time that I am most passionate about. I grew up loving the show The Monkees and have always been obsessed with the styling on that show. But I also love the old Hollywood glamor of the 40’s, the polished style of the 50’s and of course a classic pinup look.”
Shana Astrachan of Fox & Doll – photo by Vita Hewitt
“One of my favorite projects a few years back was an ad campaign I worked on for Zenni Optical where we recreated one look from each decade from the 20’s to the 90’s. It was so fun and creative, and I really felt like my passion for and knowledge of vintage hairstyling really shined. I’ve also loved my time working with both the San Francisco Ballet and San Francisco Opera, where we do so many different eras and types of looks. And one of my favorite yearly projects I have been doing is the campaign image for the Noir City film festival, a team I feel so lucky to work with every year and an event I have personally been attending for years.”
Shana’s favorite Parts About The Bay Area
Shana has been in SF since 1996 which was the year she graduated from art school on the East Coast. I thought it would be neat to ask her where her favorite spots are in SF after living here for over 20 years.
Shana Astrachan of Fox & Doll – photo by Vita Hewitt
“I love the diversity here, in people and in landscape. I love the food. I love the access to art and live music. I seem to go through different phases over the years but some favorite spots lately in the city have been Stowe Lake, the Botanical Garden, Sutro Forest, my community garden spot at the base of Potrero and always my sunny neighborhood of the Mission. Plus any of the museums (the SFMOMA was my first job in SF so it holds a special place in my heart). I also love trips to Pacifica, Pescadero, the Russian River, and basically anywhere there is water. And anywhere there are vintage shops. I love going to the Alameda Antiques Faire the first Sunday of the month.”
Shana Astrachan of Fox & Doll – photo by Vita Hewitt
Inspiration Comes From Everywhere for Shana of Fox & Doll
“Artists that have been on my list over the years include Alexander Calder, San Francisco metalsmith/jewelry Merry Renk, British jeweler Wendy Ramshaw (I was lucky to study under her for a summer), and my friend and periodical collaborator local jeweler emiko oye.
Recently I learned about the painter Hilma af Klint and saw a film based on her life story, “Hilma”. I found her fascinating and inspiring, and the film was beautifully done. I feel like many of the artists and musicians I admire are channeling a gift, something that flows through them. I could also go on and on with a long list of clothing designers and musicians that inspire me but I’ll spare you. “
Fox & Doll – Makeup, hair & art direction: Shana Astrachan – photo by Kristin Cofer*
Where can you find Shana, as well as Fox & Doll next?
As you’ve learned, Shana Astrachan is a creative soul with innate artistic talent which comes out in her vintage-inspired jewelry and as a makeup artist. You can find her flexing her creative muscles in person during some of her upcoming events which range from a headshot day to bridal bookings throughout the year. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot her selling some of her jewelry at an event but for now keep your eyes out for Fox & Doll in shops around SF (or shop on her site).
“In my makeup and hair world I am doing a headshot day in August with a photographer friend, anyone is welcome to book a spot. People can find out about it by joining my email list through my main website, www.foxanddoll.com. I also offer private lessons online and in person. And I am always taking bridal bookings throughout the year, including lots of City Hall weddings. I have many upcoming bridal clients with fun and unique styles that I can’t wait to do. Lots of vintage inspiration gets channeled into the work I do with my bridal clients. You will also see my makeup and hair work in an upcoming fall issue of the local publication Diablo Magazine.
In my jewelry world I don’t have any current events to plug. Though I hope to be doing some pre holiday selling events this fall with the Cocktail Swizzles and fun retro inspired glitter acrylic earrings that I make. And a selection of my earrings can be purchased at Noowork on Valencia Street in the Mission.”
Shana Astrachan of Fox & Doll – photo by Vita Hewitt
My Dad once told me that maybe I should market myself for one of my talents but it’s sometimes hard when your skills span across genres as well as having a deep passion for learning. Shana’s story is a reminder that versatility and mastery can harmoniously coexist, inspiring us to embrace our multifaceted passions.
Catch Shana at her headshot day in August, or explore her makeup and hair lessons, private sessions, and bridal services. Her jewelry line’s offerings can be discovered at various events.
Where can you find Fox & Doll as well as Shana Astrachan online?
Facebook: facebook.com/foxanddoll
IG: @foxanddoll and @shanaastrachan
Makeup and hair shanamakeup.com
Fox & Doll foxanddoll.com
Jewelry shanaastrachan.com
Fox & Doll – Makeup, hair & art direction: Shana Astrachan – photo by Kristin Cofer*
*Full image credit for the Fox & Doll images:
Howdy! My name is Katy Atchison and I'm an Associate Editor for Broke-Ass Stuart.
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