Mimma Viglezio, a creative consultant and editor based in London, is a judge for the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards. She says that awards specifically dedicated to sustainability in fashion are the evidence that sustainability matters. “It shows the importance of it not only to a wider audience, but also to the young creative/entrepreneurs who, we hope, will therefore be inspired to create responsibly,” she says.

Viglezio adds that she fervently hopes that these awards grow and that “there will be more of them, in all countries, especially countries that are gaining visibility in the fashion industry, like South Africa.” Her advice to 2022 entrants: “Find your own voice, offer something that has meaning beyond just being a garment or an accessory. The world does not need more stuff, it needs fashion that is sustainable, intelligent and beautiful.” 

Esethu Cenga, CEO at Rewoven, an innovative business that upcycles and recycles textile waste says that one of the difficult things the clothing industry is facing today when it comes to sustainability is "greenwashing". “There is a lack of accountability when it comes to the claims brands make about their sustainability efforts,” she says. “Awards like these are important to celebrate those brands that are not greenwashing and are actually making genuine efforts to practise sustainability.

A genuine interest and care in sustainability and in protecting our social and ecological systems will always show in the end-product.  My encouragement to this year’s entrants would be to focus more on understanding sustainability in and of itself as opposed to only doing it because it is a value proposition for clients.  I think that will help in presenting something authentic and it also prevents one from greenwashing.’’

Local jewellery designer and previous winner of these awards is Ashley Heather of AuTerra Jewellery, based in Cape Town. Her advice to this year’s entrants: “Take your time with the application and really reflect on the questions. Not only is it important for the application itself but it is also a valuable exercise in thinking through your business and where you have opportunities to tweak or improve your current operational model to be more sustainable.”

How to enter:

You do not have to submit garments or prepare a portfolio: a Twyg entry form (formulated in collaboration with Eco Standard South Africa) has been created where you can simply fill in the required details for your chosen category. Click here: https://twyg.co.za/awards-2022/

Once you’ve completed your form send it to awards@twyg.co.za.