Nina Garcia

Nina Garcia was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, on May 3, 1965. She received her education at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, graduating in 1983, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. Her academic background also includes studies at Esmod (École Supérieure de la Mode) in Paris and a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in 1992. Garcia began her career in the early 1980s, working in the public relations department for Perry Ellis, under the direction of designer Marc Jacobs.

After her time with Marc Jacobs, Garcia transitioned to Mirabella as an Assistant Stylist and Market Editor. She joined Elle magazine, where she advanced to Fashion Director in 2000. She remained in this role until April 2008, after which she served as Editor-at-Large until September 2008. In 2012, Garcia was appointed Creative Director of Marie Claire. A significant career milestone occurred in September 2017 when she was named Editor-in-Chief of Elle, making her the first Latina to lead a major American fashion title. This role involves overseeing the magazine’s content and its various international editions.

Beyond her editorial work, Garcia has authored four books focusing on style: “The Little Black Book of Style” (2007), “The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own” (2008), “The Style Strategy” (2009), and “Nina Garcia’s Look Book” (2010). She has appeared as a judge on Project Runway since its inception in 2004 and has provided style commentary on television shows such as “Good Morning America,” “The View,” and “Today.” Garcia also hosted the red carpet for ABC’s Oscar telecast and joined the advisory board of fashion tech company Nineteenth Amendment in May 2016.