The Twyg inaugural fashion awards in 2019 attracted more than 100 designers, retailers and environmental activists to the Rooftop on Bree in Cape Town where seven awards were announced. Amanda Laird Cherry took home the Changemaker award and other winners included Lukyanho Mdingi, Sindisi Khumalo, Sealand Gear, The Ethical Market, Katenkani Moreku and Clive Rundle.
Twyg is a not-for-profit company that inspires and supports a modern, eco-conscious and forward-thinking lifestyle. It recently called for nominations for 2020’s Sustainable Fashion Awards.
Twyg is looking for designers who implement sustainable, circular and regenerative approaches to design and who use ethical practices in the industry. Jackie May, the company’s founder and director, and her team are committed to creating a more environmentally conscious public by celebrating, supporting and acknowledging fashion designers working towards the same vision.
“We’re honoured to be in a position to celebrate excellent work despite, and sometimes because of, the current circumstances,” says May. “We’re grateful to Country Road and PETCO, the PET plastic recycling company, for making these awards possible. We also owe the British Council a vote of thanks for their support, which has allowed us to explore circular design in Africa. We’re partnering with Rewoven on a series of digital masterclasses and events scheduled for November,” she says.
The awards come at a time of deep introspection. Getting on with the business of fashion has been hard, sometimes impossible, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people have lost their jobs, and the industry has had to think about the ethics and sustainability of its practices.
Added to these existential questions, the Black Lives Matter movement has drawn attention to the lack of diversity in the fashion system.
The Changemaker Award is sponsored by Country Road and R100,000 in cash will be awarded to the winner of the Changemaker category. Twyg’s Changemaker Award recognises the overall winner of the Twyg Awards as a designer whose career has embraced sustainable and circular design practices. Judges pay special attention to environmental, social and economic integrity - putting the lens on responsible choice of fabric, use of non-toxic dyes, ethical labour practice, upcycling and waste reduction. The winner’s collection should also have helped raise awareness around environmental and social issues, and they should demonstrate a real commitment to promoting slow consumer fashion habits.
“We are very proud to be partnering with Country Road, a company that has long committed to sustainability. With their support, we are now able to further encourage and inspire sustainable fashion practices in South Africa. In addition to the support Country Road is offering Twyg, the Australian brand is supporting the winner of the Changemaker Award with a cash prize. By doing this, Country Road is helping our mission to transition the industry from a linear and unsustainable one to a sustainable and circular one,” says May.
This category will not be open for nominations. Country Road’s head designer Maria Rinaldi-Cant will join the panel for the judging of the Changemaker Award. “South African talent is undeniably original. To be able to appreciate upcoming designers who align with our commitment to sustainability and diversity, is really a great privilege,” she says.
The judging panel includes Desiree Smal, Kelly Fung, Cyril Naicker, Aaniyah Omardien and Fezile Mdletshe-Mkhize.
Entries should be submitted this week. The deadline is October 9 2020.
Winners will be announced on Thursday, November 19. Submissions will be judged according to specific criteria for each category.
Each designer can only be nominated for one category. All winners (except for the Student Award) must have been in business for at least one year, and be able to demonstrate:
● Ethical labour practices;
● Transparency in design and manufacturing practices and sourcing of materials;
To nominate yourself or someone else, find the link to the nomination form here.
For more information call Jackie May on 082 825 1855 or e-mail jackie@twyg.co.za
