Pat McGrath
Pat McGrath, heralded as the most influential makeup artist in the fashion realm, emerged as a pivotal figure in the early 1990s. Her unparalleled collaborations span across illustrious brands and iconic photographers, notably Steven Meisel and Christian Dior, where her visionary beauty looks have graced countless runways. In 2004, Proctor and Gamble recognized her exceptional talent, appointing her as the creative design director for prominent cosmetics lines, including CoverGirl and Max Factor.
The appointment of her long-standing ally, Edward Enninful, as editor-in-chief of British Vogue in 2017, also marked McGrath’s induction as the magazine’s beauty editor-at-large. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with luxury labels such as Jil Sander, Prada, and Armani, and she was instrumental in curating runway beauty for Prada and Miu Miu over a decade. McGrath’s significant contribution to beauty also includes designing Giorgio Armani’s beauty line in 1999, and she is known for her creative prowess, orchestrating unique beauty looks for over 35 runway shows each season.
Born in Northampton, England, McGrath attributes her profound understanding of hair, makeup, and fashion to her Jamaican mother, Jean, who was instrumental in her early education in beauty. Her mother’s ingenuity in mixing pigments for her makeup due to the lack of options for dark skin left a lasting impact on McGrath.
Despite not pursuing formal training in fashion or makeup artistry beyond a foundation course in art at Northampton College, McGrath’s early career blossomed through her collaboration with Edward Enninful for i-D magazine. Her preference for using her hands over brushes and her flair for bold colors have become her signature. McGrath is also celebrated for her adventurous use of materials, incorporating elements like petals, feathers, and pearls into her work.
In 2017, McGrath expanded her influence by launching her eponymous line of makeup products, introducing lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and pencils. This launch was accompanied by her receiving the Founder’s Award at the 2017 CFDA Fashion Awards, a testament to her enduring impact and innovation in the beauty industry.
