Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

MAC Cosmetics Names Nicola Formichetti Global Creative Director

Known for his work with Lady Gaga and Diesel, the multi-hyphenate creative takes over the role previously held by Drew Elliott.
Nicola Formichetti is MAC Cosmetics' global creative director.
Nicola Formichetti is MAC Cosmetics' global creative director. (Matthew Brookes)

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.”

ADVERTISEMENT

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.”

Learn more:

MAC’s Plan to Win: Lip Oil and Nepo Babies

The Estée Lauder-owned cosmetics label’s latest campaign casts Amelia Gray, Francesca Scorsese and Zaya Wade to promote “Lipglass Air,” a follow-up to MAC’s best-selling Lipglass.

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Beauty
Analysis and advice on the fast-evolving beauty business.

The New Beauty Discovery Journey on TikTok Shop

As discovery commerce reshapes the beauty industry, this playbook details how brands can leverage modern shopping behaviours, boost awareness and build cross-channel demand through TikTok Shop’s creator-led marketplace — with insights from Phlur, Medicube and POV Beauty’s Mikayla Nogueira.


view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.
VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON