Spotlight: Pat McGrath
It’s Oscars Weekend and one of the key components in making the celebs look their very best is, of course, makeup. Today we are spotlighting one of THE very best makeup artists in the industry- the legendary, Pat McGrath.
Ms. McGrath was named “the most influential makeup artist in the world” by Vogue’s Anna Wintour. In 2014 she received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and in 2020 became the first makeup artist ever to be named a Dame by Queen Elizabeth. The most sought after artist in fashion, directing the beauty looks in countless fashion shows every year and working with brands like Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani, to name a few. But who is Pat McGrath and how has she established such a highly regarded name in such a competitive industry?
Pat McGrath was born in Northampton, UK. She credits her single mother, a first-generation Jamaican immigrant, for laying the foundation for a deep love and understanding of makeup, beauty and all things fashion at a very young age. Ms. McGrath learned to analyze the beauty looks of Hollywood stars and how they influenced fashion designers each season. Her mother taught her how to be creative with makeup, and to have the courage to be bold with her craft. As her passion grew in the 80s, it quickly became clear that women of color were incredibly under-served by beauty brands and this played a role in what we now know as her iconic avant-garde looks.
Ms. McGrath has worked with the best brands, stylists, photographers, and who’s who in the industry- but it is her relationship with Edward Enninful (Editor-In-Chief, British Vogue) and Steven Meisel (Iconic Fashion Photographer and Director) that is often discussed. She worked with each early on in her career and they have remained close friends and have continued to collaborate and support each other throughout the years. She considers them among her mentors and has shared that same influence with her own team over the years.
2015 launched the first in makeup by Pat McGrath, with the iconic Gold 001-which was available online-only and sold out immediately. It was a long time coming and was clearly well received. The creation of the highly acclaimed Pat McGrath Labs has since expanded to include everything Lips/Eyes/Face and has quietly emerged as a company now valued at $1 Billion.
The limited edition collections are out of this world. We are huge fans, and highly recommend that you see for yourself what makes them so special.
Get your hands on one- if you can, that is! #coloryourworld
xo, VOOVIBE