CNMI, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, recently announced the upcoming Sustainable Fashion Awards, set to take place on September 24 as the finale of Milan Fashion Week. The Chairman of CNMI, Carlo Capasa, revealed this exciting news at a luncheon event in New York, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative. One of the award categories, the Emerging Designers category, will be sponsored by the Bicester Collection, a partner of the awards.
Capasa emphasized the importance of recognizing and providing a platform for new and emerging designers, who often struggle to compete with established brands and celebrities in the fashion industry. By announcing the nominees in advance, the fashion industry will have the opportunity to become acquainted with these talented designers. To showcase the nominees for the Emerging Designer award, three videos were presented during the event, featuring Maria Sole Ferragamo for So-Le Studio, Eileen Akbaraly for Made For A Woman, and Priya Ahluwalia of Ahluwalia.
The nomination process for the awards was overseen by The Ellen Macarthur Foundation, a leading voice in promoting the circular economy. This foundation will also chair the jury consisting of eleven industry stakeholders. In addition, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation sponsors The Ellen MacArthur Foundation Award for Circular Economy, which has been part of the Sustainable Fashion Awards for the past two years. As the awards enter their sixth edition, they are poised to be a night of celebration and recognition for the sustainable efforts of the fashion industry.
Carlo Capasa has been a strong advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry and has witnessed significant changes in attitudes towards sustainability since the inception of the awards in 2017. He highlighted successful initiatives, such as the majority of Italian manufacturers adhering to safety guidelines for fabric production and the development of new technologies for sustainable fabric creation. However, Capasa acknowledged that there are still challenges to overcome, including the need for affordable sustainable clothing and the lack of control over raw material producers in countries prioritizing sustainable methods. Additionally, he raised concerns about the potential implications of global policies that require the majority of textiles to be made from recycled materials by 2030, questioning the longevity of biodegradable fibers.
While the fashion industry still has a long way to go in terms of sustainability, events like the Sustainable Fashion Awards play a crucial role in bringing attention to the progress being made. It is essential to recognize and support the brands and individuals who are making significant strides towards a more sustainable future. However, it is also important to acknowledge that true sustainability lies in reducing the production of pollutants. Similar to the solution for the plastic problem, which calls for a decrease in plastic production, the fashion industry must strive to reduce its environmental impact. Though this may present challenges for an industry that relies on selling products, it is a necessary step in creating a more sustainable fashion industry.
Useful links:
1. Sustainable Fashion Awards
2. The Ellen Macarthur Foundation
