Pat McGrath awarded damehood by the Queen for services to beauty industry

British makeup artist Pat McGrath has been honoured with a DBE by the Queen for her services to the beauty and fashion industry, and to diversity.

After 30 years’ industry experience, McGrath has been awarded a damehood in the 2021 New Years Honours list, making her the first makeup artist to receive the title.

She is one of the most influential names in the makeup and beauty industry and is most well-known for a bold and experimental style which she has harnessed to create runway looks for iconic designers such as Alexander McQueen, Versace and Bottega Veneta.

Currently the beauty editor-at-large for British Vogue, McGrath also creates, launches and develops luxury cosmetic brands and conceptualises advertising campaigns and editorial spreads for major brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Calvin Klein and Balenciaga.

In 2015, she launched a cosmetics line – named PAT McGRATH LABS – which, by 2019, was valued at £1bn (€1.1bn, US$1.4bn).

McGrath has also previously worked with celebrity clients including Madonna, Oprah Winfrey and Cate Blanchett, and was labelled by fashion icon and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, as “the most influential makeup artist in the world”.

“I am beyond humbled that I have been awarded a Damehood,” said McGrath, via an Instagram post.

“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.”