Kingmakers: The Most Influential Figures in the Fashion World

Suzy Menkes

Perhaps, designers are afraid of Suzy Menkes as much as Anna Wintour, and, admittedly, there is something for it – in fact, she is one of the most influential fashion critics. She is valued for her directness and honesty, and review, written by Menkes, are often considered the ultimate truth: Suzy writes about fashion and style for more than forty years. For a long time, she worked in The International New York Times, but to date, Suzy is the editor of Vogue International. The chief fashion critic never makes a discount on the name of the designer and impartially gives a verdict to both the celebrity and the newcomer. To kill or resurrect by a word – Suzy Menkes is definitely capable of this.

Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

There is no man in the fashion world who wouldn’t dream of working with this couple. The famous duo has long been among the most influential and popular fashion photographers of our time.

They take pictures of the most beautiful women in the world: Angelina Jolie, Vanessa Paradis, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson and collaborate with top brands: Bvlgari, Gucci, Louis Vuitton.

Here is an interesting fact: in 2006, Mert and Marcus worked on the Pirelli calendar, which is a kind of Oscar for photographers. By the way, the calendar came out with a 18+ rating and became the most outspoken over the past 40 years. The duo often creates provocative and shocking pictures. Marcus Piggott once said that he doesn't want to see ordinary "neighborhood girls" in the pictures.

Photographers prefer strong and powerful women, so they are trying to find something unusual even in the most modest model. More than that, it’s almost never possible to say for sure who exactly has created a successful shot: the fact is, that during the shooting, photographers constantly pass the camera each other, so Mert and Marcus share minutes of glory for two.

Pat McGrath

Pat McGrath is the most famous makeup artist in the fashion world, who received a statuette from the Council of American fashion designers (by the way, this is the first time when the award went to the make-up artist). For many years, Pat has been creating the magic behind the scenes of fashion shows: the make-up artist can not only predict trends, but also to create them.

Today, Pat McGrath is the major trendsetter in the world of makeup: makeup artists around the world are trying to repeat her pieces of art, while giant beauty brands invite her to the position of creative director of makeup. Five years ago, Pat created her own brand of cosmetic, Pat McGrath Labs: three-dimensional glow, vivid shades and top quality. Star make-up artist introduced lip makeup with lots of sequins, no-makeup makeup trend and metalized make-up.

Guido Palau

Guido Palau is a hair stylist, who works with numerous global brands and is responsible for almost all hairstyles of models at New York Fashion Week. For example, Donatella Versace has trusteed Guido Palau to develop beauty looks for the show for years.

Fashion looks, created by Guido over the years, give the audience inspiration, but in ordinary life, not everyone will dare to repeat them: his beauty looks are quite creative and imaginative.

Today, it is Guido Palau who sets the tone for global trends in hairstyles and affects seasonal trends – almost the Lord of hair. Last year, the stylist re-introduced the use of hair spray – however, to avoid stickiness, Guido advises not to use hair spray, as we did before, but sprinkle it on your hands and smooth out individual strands.