MAC Cosmetics has filled its global creative director role — and looked to a seasoned creative for the job.

Nicola Formichetti will assume the job, effective May 19. He will report to Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois, the brand’s senior vice president and general manager.

“MAC is an iconic brand that has always championed the people and communities that move culture forward,” Formichetti said in a statement. “Having previously collaborated with the brand on my Nicopanda collection and the MAC Viva Glam campaign, I’m thrilled to return and bring my vision to this next chapter. The world is craving creativity, beauty and connection — and I can’t wait to help bring that to life in a magical way.”

In addition to his prior work with MAC, Formichetti has contributed to a number of titles such as Another Magazine, the U.S. iteration of Harper’s Bazaar, and also served as V Magazine’s fashion director. Among his greatest hits was Lady Gaga’s meat dress at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. He joined Diesel as the brand’s artistic director in 2013, a role he held for four years; prior to that, he was Mugler’s creative director and creative fashion director for Uniqlo.

“Of Japanese and Italian heritage, Nicola brings a globally attuned perspective that resonates deeply with MAC’s inclusive and rule-defying ethos,” said Moudachirou-Rébois in an internal memo obtained by WWD. “In his role, Nicola will shape the strategy, conceptualization and execution of MAC’s creative vision, enhancing our global image across every touchpoint — from campaigns, social media platforms, to product, packaging and immersive retail experiences.

“Both an artist and a visionary himself, Nicola will play a central role in reimagining what artistry means and how the creative expression connects us with the next generation of consumers,” the memo continued.

Formichetti has his work cut out for him. At parent company the Estée Lauder Cos., makeup net sales fell 7 percent in its third quarter, partially driven by declines from the brand, as reported. The brand also fell out of the top 20 ranking in the makeup category in Piper Sandler’s 49th Teen Survey, which was released in April.

However, speeding on-trend innovation is a key initiative of the group’s relatively new chief executive officer, Stéphane de La Faverie.

“We need to accelerate innovation,” de La Faverie said at the 2025 WWD Beauty CEO Summit in May. “Consumers are craving innovation in a post-COVID world, more innovation is better, and we are becoming more agile faster, bringing innovation across all four categories we are playing in.”

Early examples of that speed, such as MAC’s Nudes collection and MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick, however, are partially offsetting those declines. This ethos seemed to be part of the hiring’s rationale.

“Nicola’s appointment is a bold step forward for MAC and for the Estée Lauder Cos.,” said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Lauder’s executive vice president and chief brand officer, in a statement. “Nicola brings the vision, bold creativity and track record to take the MAC brand to new heights as it enters its next phase of growth. We are thrilled to bring this level of high-caliber creative talent to the Estée Lauder Cos.”

Added de La Faverie of the hire in a statement, “The appointment represents yet another definitive step for the Estée Lauder Cos. as we execute our recently announced Beauty Reimagined vision, which is focused on becoming the most consumer-centric prestige beauty company in the world. A key component of Beauty Reimagined is meeting consumers where they are, and with Nicola’s unique ability to capture the pulse of culture, he will help shape exciting and innovative products and experiences. MAC’s tremendous brand equity is most powerful when it evolves with the times — and Nicola will leverage his creative vision to inspire a new generation of connection, self expression and loyalty.”