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The Ethical Fashion Forum is a not-for-profit network promoting and supporting sustainable and ethical fashion businesses. They have just announced the winners of their Innovation Awards 2001 which recognise the best and most innovative enterprises in the ethical fashion industry. Here are the winners’ stories.
Chichia was a winner of the PURE award, and will be given the opportunity to showcase at trade show PURE this weekend. Womenswear brand Chichia London was founded by Christine Mhando in 2007, drawing on her Tanzanian roots to formulate the label’s aesthetic. Mhando studied at the London College of Fashion and Kent University, as well as working for various manufacturers before starting her own label. In collaboration with concept jersey label Made by Africa, Chichia refreshes everyday basics with a Tanzanian twist, incorporating East-African organic cottons into their collections. The collections are manufactured in a Fairtrade certified factory in Tanzania.
Eko was the second PURE award winner. EKO is an ethical Cornish clothing label, using new eco fibres such as bamboo and soyabean to create casual basics in the kindest of fabrics founded on the promise of ethical clothing which reflects the laid back quality of the Cornish coast. That said, production takes place in Portugal and Turkey. Muted colours are inspired by the work of artist Barbara Hepworth.
Winner of the accessories award, Caipora produce ethical jewellery and supports skilled artisans based in the Amazonian basin. Seeds and golden grass are collected during periods of harvest and off-cut materials from other industries are recycled. The result is a collection of intricate and pretty jewellery to suit all tastes.
Winner of the PURE spirit award, A.L.A.S. is a sleep and loungewear brand who produce in India. The name is an acronym of All Light All Shadow and the cotton they use is grown, spun, woven and dyed in India too with Fairtrade certification. Their collection is fun, young and fresh with casual jersey dresses, tees and shorts.
Ultra won the innovation in design and sourcing award for their sustainably sourced fashion range. They explore innovations such as ‘ULTRA 10’ a ten piece modular-interchangeable wardrobe designed to dress a woman for a year, rather than basing the business on the standard two season collections. Based in Malaysia, they are currently working with UNHCR to give refugees production opportunities.
