Cover MAC, long recognised for its experimental, inclusive spirit, is turning toward a future guided by one of fashion’s most shape-shifting figures, Nicola Formichetti. (Photo: Kay-Paris Fernandes / Getty Images)
MAC, long recognised for its experimental, inclusive spirit, is turning toward a future guided by one of fashion’s most shape-shifting figures, Nicola Formichetti. (Photo: Kay-Paris Fernandes / Getty Images)
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From Gaga to G-Dragon, Nicola Formichetti’s résumé is stacked. Here’s what to know about MAC’s new creative head
Nicola Formichetti is MAC Cosmetics’ new creative director, and his appointment is a calculated move that signals a shift in direction for the brand. MAC, long recognised for its experimental, inclusive spirit, is turning toward a future guided by one of fashion’s most shape-shifting figures. With a career rooted in reinvention and cultural cross-pollination, Formichetti brings both edge and intention. While his name commands attention in fashion and pop culture, there are still a few things about him that might surprise even the most dedicated followers of beauty.
1. He styled many of Lady Gaga’s most iconic music videos
Perhaps one of the most well-known facts about Nicola Formichetti is his friendship with Lady Gaga. He helped define Gaga’s early visual identity by styling her in the “Telephone”, “Alejandro”, “Judas”, “Born This Way” and “Bad Romance” music videos, among others. His fashion direction turned music videos into immersive style narratives, reinforcing Gaga’s position as a boundary-breaking performer. As a member Gaga’s creative team, Haus of Gaga, Formichetti also played a key role in styling performances and looks at awards shows like the Grammys.
2. He was the artistic director of Diesel
Formichetti took on the challenge of reinvigorating Diesel when the label appointed him in 2013. He introduced new silhouettes, inclusive campaigns and headline-grabbing collaborations. Under his leadership, the brand regained relevance within the global fashion landscape while maintaining its rebellious spirit.
3. He tapped G-Dragon for a runway soundtrack when he was artistic director of Mugler
As artistic director of Mugler, Formichetti invited K-pop icon G-Dragon to compose the show’s theme, titled “I Am Mugler”. The collaboration captured his interest in merging fashion with contemporary music and affirmed his instinct for recognising cultural tastemakers beyond the usual Western sphere.
4. His nickname was Nico Panda
Long before it became the name of his fashion label, Nicopanda was a nickname given to him by friends. It reflected his love for Japanese pop culture, playful design and oversized proportions, all of which would eventually become central to his aesthetic.
5. He was editor of ‘Vogue Hommes Japan’
Formichetti served as editor of Vogue Hommes Japan, where his editorial choices challenged traditional notions of masculinity. The magazine under his leadership featured stylised, conceptual shoots that brought avant-garde fashion to a wider audience.
6. He held multiple creative roles at once
While leading Mugler, he was also working as creative director for Uniqlo. Balancing high fashion with mass-market retail showed his range and proved he could move between different worlds without losing clarity or relevance.
7. He’s no stranger to MAC
Nicola Formichetti has previously collaborated with MAC on the Viva Glam campaign and also created a capsule collection under his Nicopanda label. His return to the brand marks a continuation of that creative relationship, now elevated by his expanded role.
Nicola Formichetti’s appointment suggests that MAC is not chasing nostalgia but rather investing in someone who understands how culture shifts and how brands must respond. His experience spans music, fashion, editorial and retail. What connects it all is his ability to challenge norms and propose new ways of seeing. For MAC, that kind of thinking may be exactly what is needed to stay ahead of the curve.
