As Elle magazine’s editor-in-chief and previously Marie Claire’s creative director, Nina Garcia is the first Latin woman to head up a major fashion title in the US. Her take on style is known to millions in her capacity as a “Project Runway” judge and author of four books on fashion.
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Garcia’s introduction to magazines came in the form of Latin American fashion publication Vanidades. Aged 15, her parents sent her to study at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, due to the political and social issues happening in her home country. She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Boston University, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
Garcia began her career at the public relations department for Perry Ellis and its then-designer, Marc Jacobs . She then moved to Mirabella, where she worked as assistant stylist and market editor, before taking a job at Elle magazine as associate editor and moving up to senior fashion editor. She became the magazine’s fashion director in 2000 and left the position in April 2008. Four years later Garcia was named creative director of Marie Claire, where she introduced award-winning fashion content and new editorial sections.
In an industry-wide reshuffle, Garcia became editor-in-chief of Elle magazine in September 2017, succeeding Robbie Myers , who departed after 17 years at the title. She introduced a re-design to the magazine and more diverse covers.
To millions in America, Garcia is more widely known as a long-time judge on Project Runway since its first season in 2004. She has also published four books, titled “The Little Black Book of Style,” "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own,” “The Style Strategy” and “Nina Garcia Look Book.”
