Make-up artist Pat McGrath has been recognised on the Queen’s New Year Honours list for the second time.
McGrath has already been given the title MBE, or Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in 2014 thanks to her work in fashion and beauty.
Just like every year, Queen Elizabeth II bestows the titles of Sir and Dame to a select few Brits for The Queen’s New Year Honours List. For 2021, among the most racially inclusive list in the history of the appointments is Pat McGrath, awarded D.B.E., Dame of the British Empire for not just services to the fashion and beauty industries but also to diversity.
“I am beyond humbled that I have been awarded a Damehood in the Queen’s New Year 2021 Honours List,” McGrath said in a statement. “I am truly delighted and humbled to be given this wonderful honor. My mother’s obsession with beauty and fashion ignited my passion for this amazing industry, and I feel blessed to have the privilege of working with some of the most extraordinary people throughout my career.”
McGrath elaborated in a caption on Instagram, writing, “I want to thank all of the amazing people in my life – my mother Jean McGrath, my family, friends, colleagues and you, my fellow Beauty Lovers, who contributed to this award. Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that one day Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II would recognize me to be amongst the incredible recipients of this honour both past and present.” She goes on to write, “When I first launched my brand, PAT McGRATH LABS, it was designed to inspire self-expression and individuality. I dedicate this honour in tribute to Makeup Artists everywhere, I adore each and every one of you. Never give up on your dreams – with hard work, creativity and perseverance anything is possible.”
McGrath is one of the most requested artists in the industry, working on around 80 fashion shows a year as well as creating makeup lines for Giorgio Armani, Max Factor, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.Vogue editor Anna Wintour proclaimed her one of “the most influential make-up artists in the world.”
The make-up artist, from Northampton, has brought much-needed diversity to the fashion and beauty industry, often speaking out about her experiences as a woman of colour.
Discussing the issue with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs in 2019, the makeup mogul recalled using cocoa powder on her face as a teenager because of the lack of beauty products for her skin tone.
According to McGrath, her mother used to bring her to stores to purchase new products each week, but “of course back then there wasn’t the colour that was right for dark skin”.
However after earning the most coveted title. The congratulations have been pouring in, including from many of the models she’s worked with over the years, like dear friend Naomi Campbell. “There is no one more fitting and so deserved of this Honor, You are an artist in every sense not just makeup, your drive and Passion, your embrace of your chickens ( young generation of creatives ) you call them .. your sense of humor making all around you feel at ease!!” Campbell wrote on Instagram. “From one south Londoner to Another I am so Proud of you Pat.”