Nina Garcia is already a household name beyond the level of most editors not named Wintour, thanks to her appearance as a trusted and discerning Project Runway judge since the show’s inception. Now, she’ll assume a post a celebrity EIC of Elle, after former longtime editor Robbie Myers announced her departure on Monday.
The New York Times reports that Garcia, who had been Elle’s fashion director from 2000 to 2008, will leave her post as Marie Claire’s Creative Director:
“I understand firsthand what the DNA is,” Ms. Garcia said. “I am looking to amplify the DNA of the brand. It’s bold, it’s provocative, it’s inclusive, democratic, its innovative. I just want to amplify all those things we know about Elle.”
She said that she would continue Elle’s tradition of celebrating diversity and emerging voices and work closely with the 46 international editions to share talent globally. Her first issue is likely to be February or March 2018.
As a fashion editor and social media icon, she’s established herself as the kind of discerning taste who does not take shorts; her acerbic, no-holds-barred delivery on Project Runway has made her a fan fave (if not a contestant fave). Don’t hold back, Nina!
At this current moment Garcia is busy frowing at New York Fashion Week (last seen: Oscar, with Nicki), but Hearst Chief Content Officer Joanna Coles told the Times that she’s gonna have to step it up:
Ms. Garcia’s first day at Elle is Sept. 18, when Hearst will be toasting the brand at a gala in Milan. (“Her first day of work will be a black-tie gala at La Scala,” Ms. Coles said with a laugh.)
