Known as "the most influential makeup artist in the world", she has created thousands of stunning and avant-garde big-name runway makeup, accumulated more than 500 covers for the world's first-line magazines, she is called "Mama" by the children who are fanatical about her, her eponymous makeup brand has caused a frenzy once it was launched, and she continues to launch highly disruptive makeup products, she is known as the "mother of makeup" - Pat McGrath. Recently, the legendary makeup artist shared with ELLE her story along the way and eagerly told Chinese makeup enthusiasts about her makeup world and vision.
Pat McGrath's beauty journey has always been inseparable from the influence of his mother. Pat was born in Northampton, England, with a strong fashion atmosphere. Her mother, a Jamaican woman who worked in the garment industry, began to teach her all kinds of knowledge about beauty and fashion at a young age, and Pat gradually became obsessed with the power of "beauty", and she also showed a talent for beauty, fashion and art.
Her talent and deep love also allowed her to seize the opportunity. While studying for a fashion degree in London, Pat would often hang out with friends in pubs. London's various speakeasies are known to be a gathering place for avant-garde youth culture. By chance, Pat met Caron Wheeler, the frontman of Soul II Soul, who was very optimistic about Pat's talent and invited Pat to be the makeup artist for her Japan tour. Meeting supermodel Amber Valletta at work and being recommended to legendary photographer Steven Meisel was another important turning point in Pat's career.
Gradually becoming famous in the fashion and beauty industry, Pat has traveled to four major fashion weeks and first-line fashion magazines, creating runway makeup for many brands including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Valentino, Givenchy, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Maison Margiela, Armani and so on. Pat excels at creating creative looks that blend with runway fashion with a variety of materials, and has created countless stunning, cutting-edge makeup that sets the global beauty trend.
ELLE x PAT McGRATH
Pat McGrath, who made a name for himself in the beauty industry, has not stopped his pursuit of beauty and creativity. Known as a "model worker", she has set a record of participating in as many as 60 fashion shows in a season of Fashion Week, and maintains a steady stream of fashion creativity in UHF creation. In 2004, Queen Elizabeth II awarded her the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her contribution to the fashion industry; The Council of Fashion Designers of America presented her with the Founder's Award; She was awarded the Isabella Blow Award at the Fashion Awards in 2017 and became the first makeup artist to win the CFDA's Founder's Award for Pioneer in the same year. He also collaborated with Mr. Armani on his eponymous makeup collection and was appointed by Procter & Gamble as Global Beauty Creative Design Director.
If Pat's makeup isn't just about makeup but art, so is her eponymous brand. In 2015, Pat stumbled upon an unprecedented golden eyeshadow in his private lab, "the most beautiful gold I've ever seen." She knew it was time. In September of the same year, Pat McGRATH LABS officially launched its eponymous makeup brand PAT McGRATH LABS at the Tuileries Garden in Paris, and the first gold eyeshadow "Gold 001" sold out within 6 minutes of its launch. Pat's beauty kingdom has since been established.
ELLE x PAT McGRATH
Pat's makeup is known for being bold, avant-garde and infinitely creative. Her beauty products are the essence of her beauty treasure trove and sublimation. PAT McGRATH LABS is not only committed to bringing users makeup effects similar to catwalks and magazine blockbusters, but also hopes to bring innovative, luxurious and high-performance makeup products to people of different skin tones and styles, so that each user can effortlessly show their unique beauty, feel confident and powerful.
The artistry and innovation of its products are reflected in all aspects. The names of "Our Lady of Ten Colors Eyeshadow Palette", "Sacred Rose" and so on, plus gorgeous and exquisite packaging, and most importantly, a unique sense of use and high reputation. The distinctive series of products have set off a wave of fever in the makeup industry and become star products as soon as they were launched, from the colorful and bold, hard-to-find Notre Dame eyeshadow palette; to the award-winning MatteTrance™ lipstick; Sublime Perfection Foundation for the "perfect base"... Not only has the brand become the sales champion of Sephora, but it has also been selected as the "Most Popular Beauty Brand" in the Facebook Top 500 Beauty Brands. AND HAS LAUNCHED CO-BRANDED WITH STAR WARS AND SUPREME.
ELLE x PAT McGRATH
From top makeup artist to founder of a popular beauty brand, we chatted with Pat McGrath about her beauty world.
ELLE: You are known as the "mother of makeup" in the industry, what first inspired you to enter the industry? What upbringing influenced your fashion career later on?
PAT: From a very young age, I was passionate about the transformative power of makeup. I've always been fascinated by the power of beauty and how it makes people feel confident, powerful and powerful. Growing up, I discovered that makeup was an incredible tool for creativity and liberation, and my work at PAT McTGRATH LABS was driven by a desire to inspire people to create their own unique, beautiful and powerful identities. Inspired by the diversity and beauty of the world around me, I strive to push the boundaries of makeup with each new collection and project.
ELLE: You've created many legendary creative looks in the fashion industry, what keeps you creative? Where did your inspiration come from?
PAT: What keeps me creative is the never-ending source of inspiration around us. I'm constantly inspired by the world around me, whether it's the bold jumps of color in the cityscape, the intricate patterns in the natural world, or the creative ideas of the designers and artists I've had the privilege of working with over the years. For me, the creative process is about experimenting, taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
I am inspired by many things, including art, music, film and fashion. I believe inspiration can come from anywhere, and the key to staying creative is to always have your eyes and mind open to new possibilities.
All in all, what keeps me creative is my deep and lasting love for the transformative power of beauty. I believe that makeup is not just a tool to improve our appearance – it is a way to express our inner self, connect with others, and have a positive impact on the world around us. As long as there is beauty and creativity in the world, I will continue to be inspired and create.
ELLE: What is your vision of the relationship between makeup and women?
PAT: The relationship between makeup and women is complex and powerful. For me, makeup is not just about improving appearance, it also allows women to express their inner selves and express their uniqueness.
At PAT McGRATH LABS, we believe that makeup is a transformative art form that has the power to bring joy, confidence and empowerment to women around the world. From our signature MOTHERSHIP Eyeshadow Palette to the award-winning Matte Trance™ Clannet Matsoon Matt Matte Lipstick, each of our products is designed to inspire creativity and self-expression and celebrate the unique beauty of every woman.
ELLE: What were some of the key transitions from makeup artist to brand founder? Are there any interesting facts to share with us along the way?
PAT: The transition from makeup artist to brand founder was certainly not without its challenges, but it was a natural and exciting evolution in my creative journey. As a makeup artist, I'm always looking for innovative ways to push the boundaries of makeup.
When I created PAT McGRATH LABS, I was able to take this passion for creation and change to a whole new level. With products like our Sublime Perfection Light Foundation and concealer, I've been able to bring my vision of beauty to life in a truly transformative way.
Sublime Perfection liquid foundation and concealer are the result of years of research, experimentation and rigorous testing. They are designed as the perfect canvas for self-expression, giving women the confidence and creativity to express their unique beauty and style.
Sharing an anecdote from an experience, sometimes people tell me that what I want to do is impossible – I can never create a makeup line that is truly inclusive, truly transformative and truly innovative. I refuse to be limited by these ideas, and I have been sticking to my vision, day in and day out. I am proud to say that I am the CEO and founder of a brand known for its commitment to creativity, inclusivity and diversity, enabling people around the world to confidently and proudly express their unique beauty.
ELLE: Tell us about your original motivation for creating PAT McGRATH LABS?
PAT: As a professional makeup artist, I founded PAT McGRATH LABS. To streamline the usually more complex looks I create for designers and photographers. I wanted to create a range of products that I use every day as a makeup artist, with powerful materials and groundbreaking formulas, as well as endearingly rich shades for all skin tones.
Our products are suitable for every occasion, whether it is catwalks, red carpets, magazines or real life. I have a strict "show test, Pat certification" standard to ensure that our products are high performance and very easy to use.
Makeup is about empowerment and transformation. I want to create products that help women feel confident, beautiful, and powerful, whether they're walking on the catwalk or in everyday life. At PAT McGRATH LABS, I am committed to continuing to push the limits of cosmetics and create products that are both beautiful and transformative.
ELLE: Many of PAT McGRATH LABS' products are the industry's aces, from the original "Gold 001" to the Virgin Ten Eyeshadow Series, as well as the Black Tube Soft Mist Matte Lipstick, etc., both in color and texture, are difficult to imitate and enduring, what are the decisive factors in creating PAT McGRATH LABS makeup products?
PAT: At PAT McGRATH LABS, we are committed to creating innovative, high-performance color cosmetics products that are universally suitable for all women and easy to use. I am very happy that we can share all our amazing products with Chinese beauty lovers.
I understand the unique needs and preferences of Chinese consumers, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our colors and formulations are suitable for all skin tones and types. From our original GOLD 001' to our MOTHERSHIP Ten Shade Palette collection and Matte Trance Clarinet Matte Matte Lipstick, each product is carefully formulated with cutting-edge technology and the highest quality ingredients.
ELLE: How would you describe PAT McGRATH LABS' product style? What do you want the brand to bring to makeup enthusiasts?
PAT: At PAT McGRATH LABS, we are committed to innovation, luxury and performance. Our products are designed to bring beauty, confidence and creativity to the consumer's sense.
I want to bring cosmetics that are not only high-performance, but also transformative. From our original "GOLD 001" to the hugely popular "DIVINE BLUSH" blush, each product uses cutting-edge technology and luxurious ingredients to ensure they perform at their best in my background and in your homes.
My goal is to empower every woman to effortlessly express their unique beauty. Whether you're wearing light makeup on a short break, dressed in sophistication in the office, or glamorous on the red carpet, I want you to feel confident, bold and beautiful.
ELLE: What other makeup plans can you tell us in the future?
PAT: Although Mother never reveals her secrets, you can look forward to it!
ELLE: Finally, please share with us the three keywords of PAT girl in your mind?
PAT: A "PAT GIRL" IS SPIRITUAL, PHYSICALLY FREE, AND NOT AFRAID TO EXPRESS HERSELF IN ANY WAY THEY CHOOSE. Makeup is about happiness and empowerment.