Breaking Boundaries: Nicola Formichetti on Fashion, Gaga, and Fearless Creativity

Jill sits down with visionary creative director Nicola Formichetti for an conversation about his journey through the fashion world. Known for his work with Lady Gaga, his tenure at Diesel, and his current role at MAC Cosmetics, Nicola opens up about the experiences that shaped his approach to fashion and creativity. Nicola takes us back to his early days exploring the flea markets of Rome and traces his path to working at the highest levels of global fashion. He gets real about his boundary-pushing approach to creativity and why embracing mistakes has been key to his success. Nicola sharing what it was really like creating some of fashion's most memorable imagery with photographers like Nick Knight and Steven Klein. Nicola also talks about his current role at MAC Cosmetics, where he's bringing his vision to beauty and fashion. He's all breaking rules, challenging the status quo, and trusting your creative instincts, even when you're not sure where you're headed. Along the way, Nicola mentions the people who've shaped his path, including his mother, Alister Mackie, Katie Grand, Katy England, Jefferson Hack, Kim Jones, Gwen Stefani, Richard Burbridge, Miles Aldridge, Anna Cockburn, Tomo Koizumi, Eugene Tong, and James Gager. For anyone interested in innovation, creative courage, and authentic self-expression in fashion and beyond, this conversation offers plenty to think about. Follow on Instagram and Threads at @goingrogue.podcast and @jilldemling Follow on Bluesky Follow on TikTok Send us your questions or comments by calling us at 518-21-ROGUE Going Rogue is produced by Jill Demling and Maddie Kelly, who also serves as our social media director. Matty Rosenberg is the executive producer