Entries for the Sustainable Fashion Awards 2022, presented by Twyg and Country Road, are now open.
Now in its fourth iteration, the Sustainable Fashion Awards highlights and celebrates companies and designers who not only uplift their communities but also significantly and positively impact the environment through their sustainable and ethical practices in design and manufacturing.
NPO and media platform, Twyg has been at the forefront of sustainability in the South African fashion industry for several years. Using storytelling, bespoke experiences, workshops, campaigns, as well as its annual Sustainable Fashion Awards, Twyg promotes a way of being that is sustainable, circular, regenerative, and ethical. “At Twyg we focus on what it means to transition to sustainability in a South African context,” says founder and editor Jackie May.
This year, Country Road is once again a key partner for the 2022 Sustainable Fashion Awards. The beloved Australian lifestyle brand will sponsor the Changemaker Award, and the winner will be awarded a R100 000 cash prize.
“On every level, we look to drive positive impact so our customers can feel proud of every Country Road product they take home. With our level of commitment to sustainability, it is important that we collaborate with platforms in South Africa that are working towards the same vision to support and promote responsible fashion practices.
Over the past two years, our partnership with Twyg has allowed us to support emerging designers that are driving innovation in the fashion industry. We look forward to seeing this year’s Changemaker Award nominees,” says Fabia Pryor, Country Road Brand Sustainability Manager.
Annually, the Changemaker Award goes to a company or individual in recognition of them embracing sustainable and circular design practices. Not only does their work speak to ethical labour practices, reducing waste, and using upcycled and non-toxic materials, but also shines a light on environmental and social issues, as well as slower consumer fashion habits. With sustainability and ethical community practices close to its heart, Country Road is proud to yet again share in celebrating the very best of South Africa’s fashion industry.
At the 2021 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards, the Changemaker Award was given to The Herd, a storytelling and accessories studio. Accepting the award at last year’s event, founder Mbali Mthethwa and her team of artisans were recognised for reviving and elevating the age-old skill of free-hand beading, while shifting informal economic activity to the mainstream and promoting local craftswomen.
“Globally, fashion is a major industry,” says Mbali, “and as such, it is a huge contributor to pollution and over-exploitation of natural resources. So the importance of sustainability in this context is to create awareness for alternative solutions. This creates a new way of life that holds everyone accountable for how things are made and how they are consumed.” Speaking about Twyg and the annual awards, Mbali says that it highlights the underdogs in the industry. “It’s also very inclusive,” she adds, “and representation matters. People who enter don’t need to worry about how many followers they have, or how known they are, it’s all about the work they do, and I love that.”
For the Sustainable Fashion Awards, Twyg calls on every designer and company who are working to improve the environment and the well-being of the people living in it to enter and be a part of this year’s event. “Each year the impact of the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards grows,” says Jackie, “and this year will be our biggest event yet. And the recognition of the Changemaker Awards in partnership with Country Road has also grown,” she adds, “which makes it a prestigious and impactful award.”
To enter the 2022 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards, click here.
