The 2nd Annual Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards celebrated the creators, entrepreneurs, educators and innovators shaping Black beauty, honoring industry pioneers and emerging talent.
Held October 10 at Atlanta’s Riverside Epicenter, this year’s event, themed “Midnight Bloom,” celebrated nearly eight decades of Bronner Bros. history while highlighting the brand’s continued influence on the future of the beauty industry.
Honorees included Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price, Topicals founder Olamide Olowe and celebrity photographer Derek Blanks.
Makeup Artist Derrick Rutledge Honored For Decades Of Artistry
One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of celebrity makeup artist Derrick Rutledge, whose career spans more than four decades. Oprah Winfrey, Vanessa Williams, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Vivica A. Fox, and Chanté Moore delivered video tributes celebrating his artistry and lasting impact.
Grammy-winning recording artist Anthony Hamilton and actress Taylor Polidore-Williams presented him with his award.
Kelly Keith, executive producer of the Beauty Icon Awards, said honoring icons like Rutledge highlights the people who shape culture behind the scenes.
“So much of what the world understands as beauty started with people whose names are rarely known,” said Keith. “Beauty Icon is intentionally changing that. We’re honoring the founders, artists, educators, entrepreneurs and innovators who built this industry and those walking in their footsteps.”
Fashion, Fantasy And Beauty Take Center Stage
Beauty Icon Creative Director Terrence Davidson, often called “The King of Fantasy Hair,” curated immersive showcases combining hair, makeup, fashion, dance and large-scale visuals.
“Enchanted Garden” embraced an avant-garde, imaginative aesthetic, while “90’s Fine” revisited the hairstyles and fashion of an era whose influence continues to shape contemporary beauty.
Investing In The Next Generation Of Beauty Professionals
The awards also highlighted emerging talent through the BB x Vivacé by KISS presents VIVATRESS™ Student Summit, which brought cosmetology students together for education, mentorship and competition.
Participants connected with established professionals through discussions on artistry, business, technology and building sustainable careers. The Student Fantasy Braid Competition challenged aspiring stylists to showcase their technical skills and creativity.
“The future of beauty is sitting in cosmetology schools right now,” said Ivan Chae of Vivacé by KISS. “Students need more than products — they need access and exposure to see what is actually possible.”
Spelman College’s Cosmetic Science program also received recognition from ECO Style for its work in formulation, research and product innovation. The honor highlighted cosmetic science’s role in the beauty industry and the work students researched and implemented throughout the year.
Bronner Bros. Prepares For Its 80th Anniversary
Founded in 1947 by Dr. Nathaniel H. Bronner, Sr., his brother Arthur E. Bronner, Sr., and their sister Emma Bronner, Bronner Bros. has spent decades creating opportunities for Black beauty professionals to learn, grow and showcase their work.
As the company prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2027, the Beauty Icon Awards continue that tradition by recognizing the people who have shaped the industry and those who will carry it forward.
“For nearly 80 years, Bronner Bros. has helped create spaces where Black beauty professionals could learn, create and be seen,” said James Bronner, president of Bronner Bros. “Beauty Icon is a continuation of that legacy. We’re honoring the people who built this industry, recognizing the innovators of today and aligning with the next generation. As we approach our 80th anniversary, we’re preserving the history of professional Black beauty while expanding recognition and opportunity.”
Honorees Reflect Beauty’s Reach Beyond The Salon
The honorees represented a wide range of contributions to beauty. From brand owners, media professionals and educators. Those recognized at the 2026 Annual Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards included:
- Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter.
- Olamide Olowe, founder of Topicals.
- Celebrity makeup artist Derrick Rutledge.
- Photographer Derek Blanks.
- Celebrity braider Xia Charles.
- Style innovator and sports personality Sydney Carter.
- Beauty industry pioneer Cornell McBride Sr.
- Industry leader Germaine Bolds-Leftridge.
