50 Women in Power 2022 by WWD, FN, and Beauty Inc

In partnership with the Fairchild Media Group’s Women in Power event taking place on September 13, the second annual WWD x FN x Beauty Inc 50 Women in Power list highlights the remarkable achievements of influential women in the industry on a global scale. This carefully curated alphabetical list is compiled by the dedicated editors from WWD, Beauty Inc, and FN, featuring women who are making a significant impact not only within their businesses but also in the broader world, driving change and innovation across various sectors.

The 2022 edition of the 50 Women in Power list showcases entirely new names, reflecting the dynamic nature of leadership in the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industries. For insights and highlights from the inaugural 2021 report, please refer to the previous 50 Women in Power report.

Shannon Abloh, visionary CEO and managing director of Virgil Abloh Securities

Shannon Abloh serves as the CEO and managing director of Virgil Abloh Securities, a pioneering organization established by her late husband, Virgil Abloh, with a mission to disseminate his unique ethos and artistic vision globally. Abloh is at the helm of the organization, directing initiatives across a broad spectrum of disciplines including art, architecture, engineering, creative direction, and philanthropy, all of which are rooted in Virgil’s foundational work. This year, she aims to launch a philanthropic foundation and has already distributed over $1 million in “Post-Modern” scholarships from the Fashion Scholarship Fund, which her husband initiated in 2020 to empower Black students pursuing careers in fashion. Abloh has shown remarkable dedication to preserving her husband’s legacy, orchestrating his final memorial Off-White show in February and planning the impactful “Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech” exhibition that launched at the Brooklyn Museum in July. — Lisa Lockwood

Jessica Alba, trailblazing founder of The Honest Co.

As one of the most notable celebrities to transition into the beauty business, Jessica Alba has established a remarkable company valued at over $1 billion, which went public in 2021, inspiring numerous peers to embark on similar entrepreneurial journeys. In 2012, Alba founded The Honest Co. with a commitment to providing clean, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable baby products before the concept of “clean” became mainstream. The company has since broadened its offerings to include household essentials, skincare, and personal care items. In a significant move, Honest re-entered Ulta Beauty in July, further expanding its market reach. The company’s IPO last year was instrumental in accelerating its mission “to drive the clean lifestyle conversation in the industry, inspiring everyone to love living consciously.” — Kathryn Hopkins

Delphine Bellini, influential CEO of Schiaparelli

In the past decade, since Diego Della Valle initiated the relaunch of the historic Schiaparelli brand, the label has seen various designers come and go. However, one constant presence has been CEO Delphine Bellini, who has been instrumental in guiding the brand back into the spotlight since 2014. Over the past 18 months, her meticulous approach has yielded positive results, highlighted by critically acclaimed creative director Daniel Roseberry dressing numerous A-list celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. Additionally, the brand celebrated the opening of a landmark exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in July, which became a highlight during Paris Couture Week. — Joelle Diderich

Heidi Bivens, innovative costume designer making waves in fashion

Heidi Bivens stands out as a costume designer who has significantly influenced contemporary fashion, particularly through her exceptional work on HBO’s acclaimed teen drama “Euphoria.” The series has become a trendsetter in fashion and beauty since its debut in 2019, largely due to Bivens’ distinctive strategy that fuses nostalgic and vintage elements with edgy, contemporary looks sourced from both high-end brands and emerging designers. Her creative vision has not only driven fashion trends but has also garnered attention from the awards circuit; Bivens has received two Costume Designers Guild Awards nominations and three Emmy nominations for her outstanding contributions to “Euphoria.” — Layla Ilchi

Kristina Blahnik, CEO and visionary leader of Manolo Blahnik Ltd.

With a background in architecture, Kristina Blahnik has adeptly utilized her creative and commercial acumen to redefine the business framework of the renowned brand founded by her uncle, Manolo Blahnik. Since assuming the CEO role in 2013, she has restructured operations and consolidated manufacturing under one roof, significantly increasing the team size from 10 to 217 employees. Additionally, Kristina has spearheaded an international retail expansion, with the brand now boasting 309 points of sale globally. Her leadership style is characterized by poise and emotional intelligence, with a strong emphasis on the mental and physical well-being of the brand’s workforce worldwide. — Samantha Conti

Joann Cheng, dynamic chairman and CEO of Lanvin Group

This year has been transformative for Lanvin Group, which is on track for an IPO later in the year. Under the leadership of chairman and CEO Joann Cheng, the company achieved pro forma revenues of 339 million euros last year, marking a remarkable 52 percent increase compared to 2020. The flagship brand, Lanvin, experienced an impressive 108 percent year-over-year sales growth, reaching 73 million euros, fueled primarily by strong demand for leather goods and footwear. The brand has seen triple-digit growth in both the North America and Greater China markets. The luxury conglomerate also includes notable brands such as Sergio Rossi, Wolford, St. John, and Caruso. Cheng recently expressed her ambition, stating, “I hope that Lanvin Group will become the first luxury company with headquarters in China that has a global reach.” — Miles Socha

Sun Choe, innovative chief product officer at Lululemon Athletica Inc.

Lululemon continues to thrive under the leadership of Sun Choe, who is instrumental in driving product innovation. As the lifestyle brand forges ahead into new territories, footwear is emerging as a major focus area. In March, Choe and her team introduced the brand’s first shoe, a women’s running style, followed by a women’s cross trainer in July, with demand exceeding expectations. Beyond footwear, Choe is also amplifying the brand’s men’s category growth and broadening its offerings in tennis, golf, and hiking. — Katie Abel

Sandra Choi, creative director leading the evolution of Jimmy Choo

With a rich history of blockbuster acquisitions and numerous management shifts, Sandra Choi has been a constant force throughout Jimmy Choo’s remarkable 26-year journey. As the brand aspires to achieve billion-dollar status under Capri Holdings Ltd., Choi is harnessing the potential of the sneaker market while capitalizing on the growing demand for elegant, sexy footwear. In addition, she is orchestrating high-profile collaborations that convey an inclusive message, including a recent partnership with Billy Porter that has garnered significant attention. — Katie Abel