Green Cotton

From Somewhere at UK RE Fashion Awards 2008

Last Thursday night, British fashion icons, celebrities and pioneers of the eco-fashion movement gathered at the RE: Fashion Awards in London to celebrate innovators in this ever-growing industry. As Green Cotton reported, this event was the first of its kind: an awards show solely dedicated to celebrating the best in organic, sustainable, fair trade, ethical fashion. Participants included models and British “It-Girls” Daisy Lowe and Pixie Geldorf, as well as designers Vivienne Westwood and Preen.

Many beloved British designers and clothing companies were nominated for awards like RE: Designer of the Year. This honor went to From Somewhere, a sustainable fashion label that manufactures its runway-worthy designs from recycled fabrics and surplus textiles. Izzy Lane received both the RE: New Designer of the Year Award along with the Estethica Prize, while Adili was named the RE:Retailer of the Year. For a full list of winners, check out the official RE: Fashion website.

Events like this are integral in helping introduce eco-fashion into the mainstream; hopefully this is the first of many! Lucy Shea, director of Futerra Sustainability Communications, was quoted on the RE: Fashion site, saying, “Britain is leading the ethical make-over of the fashion industry… tonight’s winners are tomorrow’s household names.”

Let’s hope that holds true, and continue to support ethical fashion worldwide! What do you think of the British eco-fashion industry? How do you think it compares to that of the U.S.? Any favorite designers you’d like to share? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

By Erin Dale

Eco-fashion has been big in the U.K. for a while, and it’s about time it gets recognized. On November 13, British style icons will gather in London to celebrate fashion and eco-awareness at the RE: Fashion Awards. This highly anticipated event will be the first of its kind—an awards ceremony dedicated solely to ethical fashion.

The celebration is proof that mainstream fashion and the new wave of eco-fashion can go hand in hand, rather than run in opposition to one another. Model of the moment Daisy Lowe will work the runway in a customized dress by legendary London designer Vivienne Westwood. Other hot designers, including Jonathan Saunders and Preen, will be showcasing eco-chic looks, all in an effort to usher sustainable, fair trade and organic style into the mainstream.

Of course, the runway show is just part of the celebration; the rest of the night is dedicated to awarding the best and brightest ethical fashion talents in the British fashion industry. Award nominations include: RE: Designer of the Year, RE: Retailer of the Year, RE: Africa Award, RE: Cotton Award, RE: Environment Award, and more.

Nominees include People Tree (Designer of the Year, Consumer Awareness and People Award), also featured top in designer collection (photo), Izzy Lane (New Designer of the Year) and Adili (Retailer of the Year).

Got any favorite U.K. eco-fashion designers? Stay tuned to find out how they fare on ethical fashion’s big night after November 13th. Let’s hope the U.S. gets in on this trend and casts a spotlight on ethical fashion, too!

Resources/More information: Treehugger, and Vogue UK

By Erin Dale

Photosource top: People Tree, featuring Fall Designer Collection