Hailey Bieber made a bold fashion statement at the WSJ Innovator Awards in New York City, wearing a head-to-toe black leather outfit as she received the 2025 Beauty Innovator Award for her influential work with Rhode Beauty. The event, held on Wednesday evening at the Museum of Modern Art, celebrated innovators across beauty, entertainment, and fashion, drawing a star-studded crowd including Billie Eilish, Chris Rock, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Bieber’s striking ensemble was designed by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, featuring a black leather bustier, pencil skirt, and oversized jacket, accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and white slingback heels. The look, reminiscent of “The Matrix,” was a departure from her recent Academy Museum Gala appearance, showcasing her versatility. Vaccarello, who had previously won the Fashion Innovator award, presented Bieber with her trophy, highlighting the synergy between her style and the brand’s aesthetic.
In her acceptance speech, Bieber emphasized the essence of innovation, stating that an innovator “isn’t afraid to go left when everyone else is saying to go right.” She reflected on her role as creator and chief creative officer of Rhode Beauty, which was acquired by Elf Beauty for $1 billion earlier this year, underscoring her impact on the industry. The award recognized her ability to merge different worlds and expand beyond traditional beauty boundaries, with the brand’s unique storytelling approach.
The cocktail hour set the tone for the evening, featuring a special drink named “Hailey’s reservatini” in her honor, which included jalapeno-infused vodka. Guests like Billie Eilish, dressed in Miu Miu, and Chris Rock mingled in the museum’s ground floor, with photographers capturing moments of conversation and camaraderie. Eilish posed with her mother and friends, while Bieber spent much of the night chatting with the musician, illustrating the event’s collaborative spirit.
Eilish, honored as the Music Innovator, delivered a pointed speech urging billionaires to donate their wealth to address global issues. “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties,” she said, with Mark Zuckerberg in attendance as his wife Priscilla Chan received the Philanthropy in Science award. Stephen Colbert introduced Eilish, noting her donation of $11.5 million from her tour to causes like food equity and climate justice.
Other honorees included Spike Lee for film, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson for their contributions, and Nadège Vanhée for fashion, with Karen Elson presenting the latter award. The diverse guest list also featured Rosie Perez, Ben Stiller, and Questlove, among others, all gathered to celebrate creativity and impact. The evening highlighted the intersection of fashion, beauty, and social responsibility, with speeches and interactions reflecting a commitment to positive change.
Bieber’s recognition at the awards cements her status as a key figure in the beauty and fashion industries, following Rhode’s billion-dollar deal. Her fashion choices, from this edgy leather look to previous couture gowns, continue to influence trends and draw media attention. As the event concluded, it left a lasting impression on the importance of innovation in driving progress across various fields, with Bieber’s journey from model to entrepreneur exemplifying this evolution.