The Estée Lauder Companies and M·A·C have announced the appointment of Nicola Formichetti as Global Creative Director. A celebrated creative director, designer, and cultural icon, Formichetti brings his visionary artistry, creativity and consumer-first mindset to the helm of M·A·C’s global creative strategy. He will report to M·A·C’s Senior Vice President and Global General Manager, Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois.
The Estée Lauder Companies and M·A·C have announced the appointment of Nicola Formichetti as Global Creative Director.
The Estée Lauder Companies and M·A·C Cosmetics announced that Nicola Formichetti will replace Global Creative Director Drew Elliott, who left the beauty brand after five years. “Nicola is a once-in-a-generation creative talent who perfectly embodies the bold, fearless energy of M·A·C and our global community,” said M·A·C’s Senior Vice President and Global General Manager Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois. “Like our consumers, Nicola is passionate, expressive and knows how to push boundaries. His appointment is not only a celebration of artistry, but a reflection of our commitment to serving our consumers with of-the-moment relevance, creativity and authenticity.”
Formichetti’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for M·A·C Cosmetics as the beauty brand continues to shape the future of beauty through innovation and cultural relevance. His dynamic approach to creativity, rooted at the intersection of fashion, music, culture, and technology, will spark new levels of desirability for the brand, driving its product innovation, creative collaborations, and global consumer engagement.
In his new role, Formichetti will shape the strategy, conceptualisation and execution of M·A·C’s creative vision, elevating the brand’s global image and impact across every touchpoint – from campaigns and social media platforms to product, packaging, and immersive retail experiences. At its core, M·A·C is built on artistry – and as an artist and visionary himself, Formichetti will lead a multidisciplinary creative team, building on the brand’s iconic heritage in artistry, trendsetting, and individuality.
“Nicola’s appointment is a bold step forward for M·A·C and for The Estée Lauder Companies,” said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Nicola brings the vision, bold creativity and track record to take the M·A·C brand to new heights as it enters its next phase of growth.”
Recognised for his work with superstars like Lady Gaga, Formichetti’s reputation for trend-defining collaborations makes him uniquely equipped to help M·A·C deliver on its mission to be a brand for “All Ages, All Races, All Genders.” Drawing from his Japanese and Italian heritage, he brings a globally attuned perspective that resonates with M·A·C’s inclusive ethos. And, his forward-thinking approach integrates digital innovation into the process, pushing creative boundaries and redefining how beauty and fashion engage with global audiences.
“This appointment represents yet another definitive step forward for The Estée Lauder Companies as we execute our recently announced ‘Beauty Reimagined’ vision, which is focused on becoming the most consumer-centric prestige beauty company in the world,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies. “A key component of Beauty Reimagined is meeting consumers where they are, and with Nicola’s unique ability to capture the pulse of culture, he will help shape exciting and innovative products and experiences. M·A·C’s tremendous brand equity is most powerful when it evolves with the times—and Nicola will leverage his creative vision to inspire a new generation of connection, self-expression, and loyalty.”
“M·A·C is an iconic brand that has always championed the people and communities that move culture forward,” confirmed Formichetti. “Having previously collaborated with the brand on my Nicopanda collection and the M·A·C VIVA GLAM campaign, I’m thrilled to return and bring my vision to this next chapter. The world is craving creativity, beauty, and connection—and I can’t wait to help bring that to life in a magical way.”
MAC Cosmetics
All Ages, All Races, All Genders. M·A·C (Make-up Art Cosmetics) is the pioneering makeup authority for all. Since its creation in Toronto, Canada, over 30 years ago, the brand’s popularity has grown through a tradition of world-of-mouth endorsement from makeup artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. Part of the Estée Lauder Companies since 1994, M·A·C is sold today in over 120 countries and territories around the world.
It remains committed to developing new categories, products and over 50 collections each year, all of which continue to serve the demand of consumers and professional makeup artists alike. Collaborations with icons from popular culture, art and fashion include Rihanna, Proenza Schouler, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Selena Quintanilla. These continue to enhance the brand’s relevance and reach to existing fans as well as new ones, while M·A·C’s makeup Artists’ rock-steady presence backstage at over 100 fashion week shows around the world secures the envied status of M·A·C as the world’s leading beauty trendsetter.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
