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CFDA FASHION AWARDS

Celebrating the Impact of Nina Garcia

November 8, 2021

Nicky Campbell

Few have had as great an impact on the fashion media landscape as ELLE’s Nina Garcia. A native of Barranquilla, Colombia, Garcia is the first Latin Editor-in-Chief of a major American fashion magazine, whose impact reaches across a true multi-media spectrum, from print to books to television, the latter as a star judge on Project Runway.

Her career stops included Perry Ellis with Marc Jacobs, Mirabella, ELLE and Marie Claire, before returning to ELLE as EIC, where she’s been championing young designers and working with legendary talents and top celebrities across the world. In celebration of her well-deserved Media Award in Eugenia Sheppard, we spoke with some of Garcia’s closest friends, collaborators, and colleagues on her impact.

 

 

Nina Garcia & Michael Kors

 

 

Michael Kors 

Nina and I can discuss everything from philanthropy to our love of travel and glamour. She’s always engaging and looks for the positive in life. She is smart, curious, funny and stylish—all things I admire in people.”

 

Gabriela Hearst

Nina García has broken through the limitations of transforming media structures while still preserving elegance, character and style.

As a fellow Latina, it fills me with pride that we are represented in that landscape.”

 

Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli 

“From day one, Nina has been in my corner, and even from a transatlantic distance, by my side. As an editor, leader, and creative confident, I am not just lucky but also proud to be Nina’s friend. Love you, Nina!!!”

 

Heidi Klum 

“​​My friend Nina’s name has deservedly become synonymous with elegance and style. Her stellar reputation in the industry is only overshadowed by her impeccable taste and generous spirit. Nina’s impact on the fashion industry is immeasurable. She is a champion for new designers, while still celebrating the heritage and impact of those who paved the way. Some of my fondest memories of my career are sitting next to Nina on set laughing and sharing stories.”

 

Jonathan Cohen 

Nina’s love and support for the fashion industry is nothing short of remarkable. Her commitment to uplifting young designers has been shown throughout her career, whether it has been in magazines or on television. She has created a platform and mentored so many of us. Nina has created an incredible space for Latinos across the industry, uplifting them and giving them a voice.”

 

Lizzo

“I just want to give a huge congratulations to Nina, this is well deserved. You are such an icon in this industry, and I want to thank you for believing in people. Just like a little old me and gave me an ELLE cover back when I was first coming out. I remember when you surprised me in my green room with that cover and debuted it to me for the first time. You are such a champion for fashion and art. Congratulations. We love you.”

 

Brandon Maxwell 

“As someone who has looked up to Nina Garcia for as long as I can remember, you can imagine what an immense honor it is to work with her every day. But being able to count her as a friend is the greatest privilege of all.

Nina is one of those rare visionaries, the ones that can work at the highest level, under the most intense pressure, continuously evolving and driving the conversation, all while making it look incredibly easy. There are very few people I have ever met who possess this quality so inherently.

Her dedication to her craft, her vast knowledge, her absolute love for fashion, and her dedication to fostering talent in the field have all left an irreplaceable impact on our industry.

However it is her humanity that has left the biggest impact on me.

Whether she’s choosing a cover image, coordinating a shoot, planning an event, working on her charitable efforts, shooting a television show, or spending time with her family and friends – all of which I have watched her juggle flawlessly on the same day – she does it with conviction, honesty, and heart. I am among many who have benefited from having been seen by her, and I know that I am among so many who are of the deep belief that she deserves all of the accolades. She is simply put, one of the greatest of all time. Thank you Nina, for all that you have been, and continue to be.”

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Maxwell
CFDA Fashion Awards
heidi klum
Jonathan Cohen
Lizzo
Michael Kors
Nina Garcia

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