At the 2025 Beauty Inc Awards, Nicola Formichetti, the global creative director of MAC Cosmetics, emphasized the need to “bring the fun back” to the beauty industry. Known for his innovative and playful approach, Formichetti has a remarkable history, shaping the images of icons like Lady Gaga and Doja Cat. His recent recognition as Creative Force of the Year highlights his impact on fashion and beauty, and he believes it’s time for makeup to shed its seriousness and embrace playfulness.
Reflecting on his diverse journey, Formichetti recounted how his upbringing in Japan and Italy shaped his creative vision. Starting his career at just 18 with “Dazed and Confused” in London, he quickly ascended to become Lady Gaga’s creative director, as well as holding positions at Mugler and Diesel. Along the way, he launched Nicopanda, a unisex streetwear brand that further showcased his eclectic style. His recent appointment at MAC marks a pivotal shift, merging his fashion expertise with the beauty landscape he feels passionately about.
Growing up as a queer individual, Formichetti shared how MAC profoundly influenced him, epitomizing inclusivity and self-expression—even before he wore makeup himself. He noted that fashion and beauty are interconnected, mutually enriching realms. This relationship was highlighted during his early career, where MAC was one of the first brands to welcome him as a young stylist. This sense of belonging drives his current vision for the brand.
Since joining MAC, Formichetti has made waves with his innovative campaigns, notably the “I Only Wear MAC” initiative, which celebrated diversity through an eclectic mix of talent. Featuring stars like Doja Cat and Kris Jenner, the campaign’s choice of black-and-white imagery was both bold and original, setting it apart in a saturated market. His intention was to highlight MAC’s core values of inclusivity and authenticity, cutting through the clutter with timeless visuals.
Formichetti attributes his creative success not to a rigid formula, but to an instinctual and spontaneous process. He likened his creative process to a dynamic rehearsal where plans could change at any moment. This flexibility has created unforgettable moments in fashion, such as Lady Gaga’s notorious meat dress. He firmly believes that authenticity is key; forcing a viral moment often leads to failure, whereas genuine creativity resonates effortlessly.
Looking forward, Formichetti hinted at an exciting direction for MAC, calling it a “beautiful toolbox” ripe with colors and possibilities. His vision is to unleash creativity that captivates and engages, bringing joy back into makeup. His transformative approach aims to inspire a new generation of beauty enthusiasts, encouraging them to express themselves freely and enjoy the art of makeup once more.