Chanel’s creative direction took centre stage in New York on Thursday, October 29, as artistic director Matthieu Blazy received the fashion honor at the 2026 WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards, recognizing his contribution to contemporary fashion and the evolving luxury landscape.

Held at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the 16th annual ceremony brought together influential figures across fashion, entertainment, technology, literature and sport, celebrating individuals whose creative work continues to shape popular culture. Blazy’s recognition comes as the designer steers one of fashion’s most recognisable luxury houses through a new creative chapter, balancing Chanel’s established design codes with a contemporary vision.

Matthieu Blazy in Noam Galai/Getty Images

Pop star Dua Lipa and rapper A$AP Rocky presented the fashion award. Lipa, who wore a Chanel ensemble, praised Blazy’s ability to respect the fashion house’s heritage while bringing fresh energy and unpredictability to its collections. The singer’s appearance also carried a personal connection to the designer. Blazy created her Chanel haute couture wedding gown, incorporating intricate embroidery that included a reference to her dog in a favourite London park. The gown, worn for her wedding celebrations in Sicily, demonstrated the designer’s attention to personal storytelling and craftsmanship beyond the conventional expectations of bridal fashion.

From left: Dua Lipa, Matthieu Blazy and A$AP Rocky. JUTHARAT ‘POUPAY’ PINYODOONYACHET FOR WSJ. MAGAZINE.

For Blazy, the recognition also reflected the collaborative nature of luxury fashion. In his acceptance remarks, he acknowledged the teams and creative professionals across Chanel, crediting their contribution to the house’s work. The fashion designer was among seven honourees recognised at this year’s ceremony. Other recipients included Rosalía for music, Amy Poehler for comedy, Demis Hassabis for technology, Jamaican-born author Marlon James for literature, Martin McDonagh for film and the Savannah Bananas for sport.

Since its establishment in 2011, the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards have recognised individuals whose work pushes creative and professional boundaries across industries. The 2026 edition reinforced fashion’s place within a wider cultural conversation, where luxury, entertainment, technology and creative expression increasingly intersect.