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Pat McGrath
Pat McGrath Vogue September 2003 -
©Pat McGrath Instagram
Andre Leon Talley, Pat McGrath -
©Corbis
Pat McGrath -
Dolce & Gabbana's fall 2010 show
©CorbisPat McGrath -
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2010/2011
©CorbisPat McGrath -
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2010/2011
©CorbisPat McGrath -
Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2013
©CorbisPat McGrath -
Backstage Viktor Rolf's Fall/Winter 2013/2014
©CorbisPat McGrath
Pat McGrath -
Victoria Beckham Spring/Summer 2014
©CorbisPat McGrath -
Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2014
©CorbisPat McGrath for Louis Vuitton -
©Pat McGrath Instagram
Pat McGrath for Kendal Kenner -
©Pat McGrath Instagram
Pat McGrath for Gucci Man SS 2016 -
©Pat McGrath Instagram
Pat McGrath for Prada Man SS 2016 -
©Pat McGrath Instagram
Defined by designers and photographers a beauty pioneer, Pat Mc Grath has worked with the greatest designers on the catwalk and on photo shoot sets and has made make-up an art form. Looking for new ways to express contemporary beauty
"When a beauty trend is happening on the runway, 90% of the time Pat is behind it. What she does absolutely affects global beauty trends." said US Vogue beauty director Sarah Brown about Pat McGrath, considered one of the most influential makeup artists in the world. Born in Northampton (UK) in 1970 from a Jamaican immigrant single mother, Pat started being interested in beauty since she was a child, helping her mom mix makeup colors to obtain the rights shades for her dark skin since dedicated products were very scarce on the market. After finishing her studies and a basic art course, Pat started studying Fashion at college but then dropped out when the Soul II Soul singer, whose face Pat had made up three years before, by chance, asked her to follow the group on tour.
Pat had the chance to work with Edward Enninful, at the time fashion editor of i-D, who when she was back in town named her director of the magazine’s beauty channel. That was 1990, the year that marked the start of a brilliant career for Pat, who started working at first with fashion houses like Jil Sander and John Galliano and later on for the most important designers and photographers, elevating the magazine status. In 2004 Pat McGrath started working with Procter & Gamble where she is currently Global Cosmetics Creative Design Director. Untiring, she has worked for the Max Factor, Cover Girl, Dolce & Gabbana collections and has played a key role in the recent launch of Gucci MakeUp. In December 2013 she received the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her contribution to beauty and fashion. The undisputed originator of the looks for important runways shows and ad campaigns, Pat McGrath is often the mind behind the makeup trends that consumers follow every season: from the nude look in the 90s, to the use of crystals appliqué for the eyes and lips that took center stage at the start of the new millennium.
Her clients include Prada, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana. She collaborates also with celebs like Madonna, Oprah, Jennifer Lopez. Giorgio Armani turned to her when ten years ago he decided to launch his makeup range, a true pioneer at that time. Who better that Pat could interpret the spirit of Armani? Linda Evangelista has revealed that often photo shoots are cancelled if she is not available; Steven Meisel only trusts Pat McGrath and the magazine covers and editorials created by the duo for Vogue Italia are now legendary. She is known for being very meticulous when preparing her makeup looks: from her large library she takes inspiration from, to her deep knowledge of fashion history, photography and painting, alongside an inborn talent that enables her to revisit elements with an unexpected and modern twist. When she is asked where her inspiration comes from, Pat says from textiles, collections’ colors and model faces. She is also known for applyting makeup with her fingers. A few tips for our readers? For Pat, a healthy complexion is key.
The makeup artist starts her day with a hot bath and drinks freshly squeezed fruit juices to rehydrate. Based in New York, during fashion weeks she travels around the world with a team of 50 assistants and 75 suitcases full of products, books and magazines. Her future projects? She is reportedly launching her own makeup range.
