Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana continues its commitment to sustainability and supporting emerging talent with the sixth edition of CNMI sustainable Fashion Awards 2023. The awards ceremony, announced at a press conference organized by CNMI in collaboration with the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) and with the support of the Municipality of Milan, is set for Sept. 24 at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan.
“The CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards are an important manifestation of our commitment and hard work over the year for responsible fashion. This season, around 30 finalists out of a total of 150 or so will be telling us their stories, a splendid source of inspiration for all of us,” said in a statement Carlo Capasa, chairman, CNMI.
The awards comprise ten categories in all, including The Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation award for circular economy. The award aims to recognise and celebrate emergent talents who have demonstrated their commitment to a circular economy and sustainability.
The three finalists for The Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers are SO-LE, Ahluwalia, and Made For A Woman.
SO-LE
A Milan-based recycled jewellery brand founded by Maria Sole Ferragamo. The brand creates unique jewels using upcycled leather and brass leftovers from Italian luxury brands and manufacturers. Its commitment to a circular economy and sustainability is evident in their use of leftover materials across all collections with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of its products. The sustainable ethos extends throughout the company, from material sourcing to the materials used for their first Milan-based flagship store, with the intent to drive positive change in the industry, reflecting a strong philosophy that resonates with conscious-minded clients.
Ahluwalia
Since its launch in 2018, has garnered multiple awards and emerged as a pioneer and industry frontrunner committed to finding sustainable solutions for the betterment of people and the planet. By utilising vintage, recycled, upcycled, and sustainable fabrics and garments, Ahluwalia creates pieces led by design but always made responsibly. The label seamlessly blends elements from Priya Ahluwalia’s dual Indian-Nigerian heritage with her London roots.
Made For A Woman
An innovative social entrepreneurship project empowering women from vulnerable backgrounds and promoting female craftsmanship in Madagascar. The brand was founded in 2019 by Eileen Akbaraly, a young Italian-Indian designer who grew up in Madagascar. It combines corporate social responsibility, slow fashion, and locally sourced, certified raw materials, creating a scalable business model for other social entrepreneurship projects in developing countries. The organisation employs over 350 local artisans, 92% of which are women, providing them with living wages and empowering opportunities including free healthcare, mental health support, social services, financial literacy, capacity building, and education for them and their families.
Photo: The finalists of the Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers. From left: Eileen Akbaraly, Maria Sole Ferragamo, and Priya Ahluwalia.
