Introducing the Vogue Business 100 Innovators

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The fashion, beauty and luxury industries are entering a new era, where purpose is becoming as important as profit, consumer expectations are rising, Web3 presents opportunities and challenges, and the climate crisis is at the fore. 

The inaugural Vogue Business 100 Innovators list spotlights the people around the world who are fostering new ideas, pushing forward innovation, and changing the way we view the future of these industries. It champions those working behind the scenes to create the projects and companies that are driving new ways of thinking and doing business.

The list of industry professionals and opinion leaders was decided by the global Vogue Business team of journalists. It is split into five sub-categories. Some have been picked for their early success and potential. Others are shaking up the way things are done in their categories or local markets. They are the people breaking the mould, shaping the future, and agitating for change. Read on to find out who made it onto the list in each category.

Tech and Web3 innovators

Technology continues to advance with breakneck speed, offering opportunities for the fashion, luxury and beauty industries to connect with new and existing customers in exciting, experiential ways. Behind the scenes of NFTs, the metaverse, 3D design, cryptocurrencies and digital IDs – the whole Web3 ecosystem – is an army of innovators with a shared vision of how we will interact and shop in the near future. Discover the full list here. 

Sustainability thought leaders

Progress towards reducing fashion’s devastating impact on people and the planet can, at times, feel frustratingly slow. Yet sustainability’s most ardent advocates never give up on the hope of facilitating meaningful change for the industry. In this category, we celebrate the people challenging traditional ways of thinking and working and those innovating for a brighter future and the prospect of an industry that has a positive impact. Discover the full list here.

Next-gen entrepreneurs and agitators

Why do we champion growth at all costs? What should a circular economy look like in fashion? How does colonial history affect decision-making in the industry today? How can we stamp out racism and open up the path for brands in emerging markets to make their mark globally? Why do we design differently for men and women? These are just some of the questions driving the new wave of business founders and blue-sky thinkers. Discover the full list here. 

New-era retail

The fashion, beauty and luxury industries are at a tipping point: their part in the climate crisis can no longer be ignored, while the speed of technological advancements is opening up exciting new ways of creating, selling and delivering products to customers around the world. This is requiring an entirely new perspective on how to do business. In retail, this means finding different ways to connect with customers, through the online or in-store experience, or often both. In this category, we champion the people shaking up traditional retailing.  Discover the full list here.

Beauty game-changers

In the fight back against systemic racism and dominant Western beauty ideals, a new wave of entrepreneurs are creating brands with a more inclusive approach. This, combined with advancements in formulations and greater awareness of the need for responsible production practices, is paving the way for innovation in beauty. Discover the full list here. 

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