ALL HAIL TO DAME PAT MCGRATH!
DENIZ AKKAYA
Pat McGrath is undoubtedly one of the most influential and legendary makeup artists in the world. The artist, who has changed faces at Prada, Dior, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Tom Ford, Versace during her years in fashion, launched her own brand, Pat McGrath Labs, in 2015. During her thirty-year career in the beauty industry, McGrath is known for breaking boundaries with her theatrical, experimental and inclusive approach to the art of makeup, and is often described as the most influential makeup artist in the world.
She was named in Queen’s New Year Honours list last week after being awarded the Imperial Order of the British Empire for her work in fashion and beauty in 2014, and was awarded the title “dame” for her services to fashion, beauty and diversity. Dame is a type of royal order and a title given by the United Kingdom to successful women who have done outstanding services. Pat, on the other hand, is the first brand owner and makeup artist to achieve this title.
Pat said of her historic achievement, ” I’m really happy and grateful to be awarded this wonderful honor. My mother’s obsession with beauty and fashion ignited my passion for this wonderful industry and I feel fortunate to have had the privilege of working with some of the most extraordinary people throughout my career. All the colours in the spectrum are my life’s work and inspiration. I celebrate individuality, especially with my brand Pat McGrath Labs, so I’m particularly honoured that this award is also for diversity.”
McGrath has contributed to i-D Magazine and Vogue’s most well-known covers and editorial work, and has made a big impact in the industry with her catwalk collaborations with Alexander McQueen and John Galliano during their times as Dior’s creative director. In her work, Pat uses materials such as feathers, lace, pearls and prosthetics to blur the line between traditional make-up art and special effects.
We look forward to seeing Pat’s work in 2021, who is a source of inspiration for make-up artists around the world and most importantly women of color.
