WWD to Honor Van Noten, Gennette, Chloé, On, Puig, Agbobly and More
When the red carpet is rolled out for the WWD Honors ceremony on Oct. 24, some of fashion’s buzziest leaders will take their turn in the spotlight and be recognized for pushing fashion forward, even as they nimbly navigate a complicated market.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, artistic director of womenswear collections at Dior, is topping the bill and receiving the John B. Fairchild Honor, as previously revealed. The honor recognizes a career of influence and distinction and is named after WWD’s legendary chairman and editorial director.
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Chiuri will be in good company at the event, which caps off the first day of the WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit at Cipriani South Street in Manhattan.
Dries Van Noten will receive the WWD Honor for Designer of the Year. One of the original Antwerp Six, the Belgian designer continues to dazzle with his inimitable approach to prints, color and embellishment — always on a canvas of wearable, beautifully tailored garments. Van Noten has also slowly built a reputation for accessories, now showcased alongside his beauty line in a dedicated Paris boutique.
Jacques Agbobly, creative director and founder of Agbobly, will be honored as One to Watch in fashion. The inclusive, unisex line found its start as Black Boy Knits in 2020 as the designer graduated college and into the midst of the pandemic. The brand, which changed its name this year, has quickly made an impression nodding to Agbobly’s rich Togolese heritage.
At the event, WWD will also recognize business leaders and companies that have proven their mettle.
Jeff Gennette, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s Inc., will receive the Edward Nardoza Honor for CEO Creative Leadership, having steered the department store since 2017.
Chloé will accept the Corporate Citizenship Honor, acknowledging the company’s continuing push to be purpose-driven, planet-friendly, community-based and accountable.
And top-performing firms in retail, fashion and beauty will be recognized with Honors by category. This year’s winners are:
On Holding, Best-Performing Fashion/Retail Company, Large-Cap.
Elyse Walker, Best-Performing Fashion/Retail Company, Small-Cap.
Puig, Best-Performing Beauty Company, Large-Cap.
Westman Atelier, Best-Performing Beauty Company, Small-Cap.
Each of these companies, leaders and designers have learned to thrive in fashion at a time when the old rules are being rewritten, consumers are demanding more and the economy is in serious flux.
And just where all those changes are leading fashion will be pored over when the industry gathers at the summit, focusing on the new consumer, the importance of heritage and storytelling, how technology continues to shape fashion, the news of the day and more.
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