The winners will be announced at an awards evening in Cape Town on Thursday 19 September 2019. The deadline for submission of nominations is Sunday 18 August 2019.
Says Jackie May, founder of Twyg: “Our work supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: sustainable consumption and production, especially in the fashion industry. By acknowledging change-makers in fashion, Twyg highlights what the industry is capable of achieving, and shows its support of conscious fashion in a very complex industry.”
To nominate yourself or someone for one or for all categories, please visit Twyg.co.za here. All nominations must, however, be submitted individually.
Finalists will be chosen by a panel consisting of Twyg partners at Fashion Revolution, SACTWU and SA Fashion Week. The winners will be selected by an independent jury.
Submissions will be judged according to specific criteria for each category. We expect that all our winners (except for the student award) will have been in business for at least one year and would be able to demonstrate:
● Ethical labour practices
● Transparency in practices and sourcing
Qualifying work should have been made by June 2019. Unfortunately, the awards are open only to Southern African (SADC region) designers at this time.
“Sustainability is complex and achieving 100% sustainability is an on-going and shared commitment,” says May. “The Twyg awards aim to create awareness around this and showcase the impact these designers have had in the industry.”
Twyg is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to encourage sustainable living through a wide-range of activities including campaigns, content creation and events.
To enter, see the criteria and categories, and the link to the nomination form below.
Thank you to PETCO for sponsoring the awards.
PETCO is the PET plastic recycling company, which fullfils the PET industry’s role of extended producer responsibility, a voluntary industry-driven and financed environmental solution for post-consumer PET plastic. By imposing accountability over the entire life cycle of PET products and packaging, companies that manufacture, import and/or sell PET products and packaging are financially and physically responsible for such products after their useful life.
To nominate yourself or someone else, please use this form.
Categories and Criteria
Innovative Design and Materials
This award seeks to recognise a designer who has used techniques that minimise textile waste through innovative pattern cutting, the use of pre- and post-consumer fabric waste, and / or reconstruction techniques. The award also seeks to recognise a commitment to using sustainable fabrics in a collection. All submissions must demonstrate the extent to which materials have been sustainably sourced.
Trans-seasonal Fashion Award
This award recognises a collection, brand or designer who promotes trans-seasonal and versatile style. It rewards quality garments whose design aspires to be timeless and which are made to last. This category also recognises brands that remain invested in garments after their sale, for example, through the provision of lifetime guarantees or repair services.
Sustainable Accessory Award
This award recognises an accessory or accessory brand which implements ethical labour practices, limits toxic chemicals and uses sustainable materials to create a quality item and considers end-of-life. Ideally it should be made of compostable materials, but, if not, it should be made using recyclable or recycled materials.
Sustainable Fashion Influencer
Recognises a personality who has actively promoted sustainable fashion over the last 12 months and sparked relevant conversations. On social media and other platforms, the influencer has explained sustainable issues factually and has cautioned against unsustainable fashion habits. The influencer supports conscious brands while promoting the Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle).
Sustainable Retail Award
This award will recognise a retailer or a retailing initiative that enhances sustainability, including pre-loved/gently worn, “swop shops”, garment rental, and similar activities. The award is also open to retailers who support local producers, and sustainable design and manufacturing.
Student Award
This award will go to a student who has produced a garment or collection that addresses the challenges of sustainability in fashion in the most innovative, beautiful and practical way.
Nicholas Coutts Award
This award recognises a designer who uses artisanal craft techniques such as weaving, embroidering or botanical dying to make fashion that foregrounds, celebrates and values the skills of the person who makes the garment.
Changemaker Award
This award recognises a designer whose career has embraced sustainable and circular design practices. The recipient’s collections will have helped raise awareness of environmental and social issues. Criteria include choice of fabric, ethical labour practices, the extent of upcycling, the reduction of waste, and the use of non-toxic dyes. This designer demonstrates a commitment to promoting slow consumer fashion habits.
For more information about Twyg read about us here, head to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for regular information on people who do amazing things in the sustainability space.
