Roman native Roberto Morelli is a maestro of makeup, working with the photographic greats ranging from Annie Leibovitz to Mario Sorrenti, and legendary models from Naomi Campbell to Elle McPherson. Most recently, Roberto has been pursuing his love of working with musicians, which includes a decade of work with rock goddess Taylor Momsen and her band The Pretty Reckless — a collaboration that began on their first album cover and every single music video since.  

This year, Roberto has worked across genres from skincare campaigns like Blue Mercury, to on-location editorials such as Sports Illustrated Swim, and the literal rock stages of stars like Katy Perry. Longtime client and friend, legendary model Lauren Hutton, has also tapped Roberto to serve as the color-development director for her makeup line. 

He’s lived across Rome, Milan, Paris, London, and New York, leading to magazine editorials with greats like Ellen Pompeo, Monica Bellucci, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Gina Gershon, Maia Reficco, and covers on Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. 

Roberto got his start at beauty salons in Rome and was taken under the wing of Rino Carboni, the celebrated makeup artist to Federico Fellini, who taught him special effects and theatrical makeup. The work, he says, is as great a joy as it’s ever been: “I simply love what I do — makeup and hair is a passion — and I’ve been as lucky to work with so many truly great talents.”