The 2026 edition of the SAVVY Awards has announced its newest laureates, honouring influential figures across fashion, design, science, and humanitarian innovation. Described as the only global award recognising creativity across all industries and disciplines, this year’s edition placed particular emphasis on the singular vision of Walter Van Beirendonck and his lasting impact on conceptual fashion.
Celebrated for his unmistakable visual universe, Van Beirendonck was recognised for a career shaped by radical imagination, saturated colour, and unapologetic individuality. For decades, the Belgian designer has resisted trend cycles in favour of a fiercely personal language where provocation, humour, fantasy, and political commentary collide. Across his collections, fashion becomes a vehicle for ideas surrounding identity, freedom, sexuality, and peace.
His influence extends far beyond the runway. As longtime Creative Director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Van Beirendonck helped shape generations of emerging designers and played a defining role in Antwerp’s global creative reputation. The SAVVY Awards jury also highlighted the designer’s integrity and humility—qualities that continue to distinguish his presence within contemporary culture.
Join us for an intimate conversation with Walter Van Beirendonck, where he reflects on the origins of the Antwerp Six, the evolution of queer identity in fashion, and the political urgency behind his visual language.
SAVVY Awards connects fashion, design, ecology, and social impact
Alongside Walter Van Beirendonck, this year’s awards celebrated a diverse group of creatives challenging conventional boundaries between disciplines.
Designers Alexis Martial and Adrien Caillaudaud were recognised for Amca Oval, a practice merging fashion, furniture, and interior design through sculptural objects, textiles, and immersive environments. Drawing from retro-futurism and minimalist aesthetics, their work dissolves distinctions between domestic space, wearable design, and contemporary art.
Meanwhile, Merlin Sheldrake received recognition for bridging ecology, microbiology, and storytelling. Through his acclaimed book Entangled Life, Sheldrake introduced broad audiences to the hidden intelligence of fungal networks, bringing lyrical depth to contemporary scientific discourse.
The humanitarian organisation Movement On The Ground, founded by Charlie McGregor and Adil Izemrane, was also honoured for its work reshaping refugee camps into sustainable and dignified communities. What began on the Greek island of Lesvos over a decade ago has since grown into an internationally recognised NGO focused on education, employment, and long-term social change.
Courtesy of SAVVY AWARDS
