MAC Cosmetics Names Nicola Formichetti Global Creative Director

MAC Cosmetics has filled its vacant global creative director role with the mastermind behind Lady Gaga’s iconic “meat dress.”

On Wednesday, parent company The Estée Lauder Companies announced that Nicola Formichetti will take over the position from May 19. He replaces Drew Elliott, who left the brand in February after five years.

Formichetti joins MAC Cosmetics after a career of fashion design, styling and editorial work that has spanned roles including artistic director at Diesel and Mugler, as well as creative work with Lady Gaga’s Haus of Gaga. He is especially known for styling the raw beef “meat dress” worn by Lady Gaga at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

In a statement, Formichetti described MAC as an “iconic brand that has always championed the people and communities that move culture forward.”

Formichetti previously worked with the brand on projects including a fashion collaboration with Lady Gaga for MAC’s Viva Glam charitable initiative, as well as a makeup line with his streetwear label Nicopanda. This is his first appointment at a beauty company.

The Estée Lauder Companies president and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie said in a statement that the appointment is part of the company’s “Beauty Reimagined” turnaround plan unveiled in February and that Formichetti has a “unique ability to capture the pulse of culture.”

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