Nina Garcia is a prominent Colombian-American fashion journalist, author, and television personality, recognized for her role as Editor-in-Chief of Elle magazine and a long-standing judge on Project Runway. After beginning her career in the public relations department for Perry Ellis under the direction of designer Marc Jacobs in the early 1980s, Nina Garcia quickly transitioned to Mirabella as an Assistant Stylist and Market Editor. She then joined Elle magazine, where her career progressed rapidly, culminating in her appointment as Fashion Director in 2000. During her tenure, which lasted until April 2008, Garcia established herself as an influential voice in the fashion editorial landscape.
Beyond her editorial leadership, Garcia has served as a prominent judge on Project Runway since its inception in 2004, offering her expert commentary and insights for nearly two decades. Garcia is also a highly successful author, having penned four influential books focused 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). Her expertise has made her a sought-after media personality, providing style commentary on national television shows such as ‘Good Morning America,’ ‘The View,’ and ‘Today.’ She also hosted the red carpet for ABC’s Oscar telecast, showcasing her on-camera presence. In May 2016, she joined the advisory board of fashion tech company Nineteenth Amendment, broadening her impact across the industry.
Her lasting impact was further recognized when she was named one of the Women of the Year by USA Today in 2022 and an honoree of the Great Immigrants Awards by the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2023, solidifying her status as a global icon.