Named by Vogue as “the most influential makeup artist in the world”, Pat McGrath has been at the forefront of her chosen industry for over two decades. The British creative, who was awarded an MBE for her services to fashion and beauty by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the 2014 New Year’s Honour’s List, has had no formal training, but is one of the most respected make-up artists working today, and on Monday night she added to her list of accolades, receiving the 2017 Founder's Award from the Council of Fashion Designer’s of America (CFDA) at their annual honors ceremony.
Pat McGrath for Maison Margiela Spring 2016 Haute Couture / Photo: Francois Durand/Getty
Known for her pioneering trends and techniques, McGrath designs the make-up looks for countless runway shows each season, including Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Maison Margiela and Valentino, to name but a few. Her work can also be seen gracing advertising campaigns for some of the industry’s most prestigious fashion houses and across glossy magazine editorials – her long standing relationship with photographer Steven Meisel and Italian Vogue is now legendary.
Gigi Hadid by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, November 2015 / Make-up: Pat McGrath
As well as being the creative force behind several luxury cosmetics brands, having been hired to develop and launch Georgio Armani Beauty, Dolce & Gabbana: The Makeup and Gucci’s cosmetics line, she is the Global Beauty Creative Design Director for CoverGirl, Max Factor and SK-II, and in 2015 launched Pat McGrath Labs, her namesake brand which has become known for its limited edition trend-led products, which sell out almost immediately.
Jessica Stam by Richard Burbridge for i-D magazine, September 2004 / Make-up: Pat McGrath
Typically awarded to industry individuals for their work in design, direction or style, the CFDA Founder's Award in Honor of Eleanour Lambert has, in the past, been presented to luminaries such as Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta. In honoring Pat McGrath, the CFDA has recognized the significant impact her pioneering work has had on fashion, and as CFDA President and CEO Steven Kolb remarked “is putting a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes talent that is so critical to the creative process.”