Bicester Collection, a renowned group of luxury shopping villages across Europe and China, has recently unveiled the three finalists for The Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers. This prestigious award is part of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI) Sustainable Fashion Awards, which will culminate with a ceremony on September 24th in Milan, following the city’s fashion week.
Among the three finalists vying for the award, we have So-Le, a jewelry brand hailing from Milan, the UK-based fashion label Ahluwalia by the talented designer Priya Ahluwalia, and Made For A Woman, an inspiring social entrepreneurship project aimed at empowering women from vulnerable backgrounds and promoting female craftsmanship in Madagascar. Made For A Woman was established in 2019 by Eileen Akbaraly, a young and visionary Italian-Indian designer who grew up in Madagascar.
The recipients of this esteemed award will be granted invaluable support to propel their businesses towards success. This includes access to The Bicester Collection’s mentorship program, as well as the opportunity to participate in the next Creative Spot event held across The Collection. Moreover, the winner will have the privilege of showcasing their extraordinary creations during Milan Fashion Week in 2024 as part of the prominent Designers for the Planet exhibition at CNMI’s Fashion Hub.
The esteemed panel of judges carefully selected these three finalists based on their deep commitment to sustainability and their innovative approach to fashion. So-Le captured hearts with their utilization of leftover materials as a means of reducing environmental impact. Ahluwalia’s incorporation of vintage, recycled, upcycled, and sustainable fabrics also greatly impressed the judges. Meanwhile, Made For A Woman’s remarkable integration of corporate social responsibility, slow fashion, and locally sourced raw materials truly stood out.
The CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards initiative is a collaborative effort between the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) and CNMI, with the support of the Municipality of Milan. This initiative stands as a beacon of change in the fashion industry, with sustainability as its central focus. A notable Advisory Committee comprising 25 Italian and international non-profit organizations, dedicated to sustainable fashion, has been formed to evaluate the awards. Additionally, an international jury headed by the CEO of the esteemed Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a global leader in promoting a circular economy, is overseeing the judging process.
In addition to The Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers, another remarkable aspect of this initiative is The Ellen MacArthur Foundation Award for Circular Economy. This award recognizes and celebrates sustainable fashion practices that contribute to the creation of a circular economy.
The CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards initiative signifies a crucial step forward in promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. By acknowledging and showcasing the groundbreaking work of these emerging designers, the initiative hopes to inspire positive change and raise awareness about the vital role sustainable practices play in the fashion world.
To learn more about Bicester Collection and the Sustainable Fashion Awards, please visit:
1. https://bicestercollection.com/
2. https://www.camera Nazionaledellamoda.it/
