Spotlight on sustainable fashion in Milan
At the end of Milan Fashion Week, ITC’s Ethical Fashion Initiative took the stage at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards to speak to industry leaders
This prestigious event brought together industry decision-makers and some of the most influential figures in the fashion world, many of whom have already collaborated with EFI in countries like Kenya and Burkina Faso.
Prominent designers from Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Donatella Versace herself, were present at the Sustainability Awards to demonstrate their commitment to ethical fashion.
The highlight of the evening was a keynote address delivered by EFI’s Chief Technical Advisor, Simone Cipriani, and renowned fashion entrepreneur, Jeanne de Kroon of the brand Zazi Vintage.
Cipriani said that the awards ‘highlight the critical importance of social sustainability and the need to decouple value creation from resource extraction to support our interconnected globalized world.’
De Kroon donned an ikat dress, a creation of EFI artisans in Uzbekistan, showcasing the beauty of naturally dyed, handwoven silk. She embodied the essence of ethical fashion with a blend of style, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
The keynote address underscored the event’s significance. The speakers showcased a process of long-term value creation that is reshaping the fashion industry, and urged industry leaders to embrace sustainability.
The event closed out Milan Fashion Week. The Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), a project of the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted the Camera Nazionale della Moda (CNMI) Sustainable Fashion Awards in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
EFI plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of artisans and emerging designers from around the world.
By collaborating with artisan micro-entrepreneurs from least developed countries, EFI not only promotes ethical and sustainable fashion practices but also empowers communities. The project contributes to the progress of the fashion industry while fostering creativity and cultural exchange.
In the wake of Milan Fashion Week, the message is clear: sustainable ethical fashion is not just a trend. It is a transformative movement that is here to stay.
