Nicola Formichetti

Creative Director

Fashion Director at V Magazine

Nicola Formichetti, born on May 31, 1977, in Tokyo to an Italian father and a Japanese mother, spent his formative years between Rome and Tokyo. 

At 18, he moved to London, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant fashion scene. 

In 1998, he began working at ‘The Pineal Eye,’ an avant-garde boutique known for showcasing innovative designers. His creative talent soon caught the attention of Dazed & Confused magazine, leading to a monthly feature and eventually his appointment as fashion director in 2005, followed by a promotion to creative director in 2008.

During his tenure at Dazed & Confused in London,  Formichetti collaborated with renowned designers and brands, including Alexander McQueen, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Nike, Levi’s, and H&M. In 2008, he launched Vogue Hommes Japan as Fashion director, contributing to its rise as a leading publication. In Japan, he also curated ‘Side by Side,’ a store in Tokyo’s Laforet Harajuku, and later created his own publication, FREE magazine, in 2015. 

Formichetti’s association with Uniqlo began in 2004, eventually leading to his appointment as fashion director. 

Relocating to New York City around 2006, he became involved with V Magazine, where he met Lady Gaga in 2009. Their collaboration resulted in iconic fashion moments, such as the meat dress, blending pop culture with high fashion.

In 2010, Formichetti was appointed creative director of Mugler in Paris, marking his first major role as a fashion creative director. His tenure brought the brand to a modern audience, creating a worldwide sensation.

In 2013, he became the artistic director of Diesel in Italy, where he worked until 2017. Concurrently, he launched his brand, Nicopanda, in New York City, expanding its presence to China through collaborations with retailers like Lane Crawford.

Around 2018, he moved to Los Angeles to focus on projects with Lady Gaga, including curating her museum exhibition and launching her makeup brand, Haus Labs. He also contributed to her tours, albums, and music videos. 

Recently, Formichetti returned to New York City and has been appointed as the fashion director of V Magazine and V Man Magazine. He continues to collaborate with top global brands and celebrities worldwide, from Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman and Lucy Liu to K-pop artists like Rosé.

Throughout his career, Formichetti has received numerous accolades. In 2010, he was honored with Fashion Creator of the year at the British Fashion Awards.  He was also recognized as a Fashion Innovator at the Elle Style Awards in 2014.