Sustainability: The Elephant in La Scala

The fashion industry is stacked with mega heritage houses on the one hand, and small, independent brands on the other. As we know, in recent years, the industry's impact on climate change and global warming has taken centre stage in discussions about building a more sustainable future. Yet for an industry where newness and innovation have been at the heart of design the increasing demand for production and the rapid acceleration of trend cycles has had devastating effects on the planet.

In an effort to reward strides toward a more sustainable fashion future, Milan recently hosted the third CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards. By championing brands, individuals, and organisations putting sustainability at their core, the SFAs aim to prioritise the circular economy, and devotion to craft. Held at the end of Milan Fashion Week, the evening brought together Italian fashion’s leading figures to celebrate the work that doesn’t necessarily bring short-term profits, but will be key for long-term preservation of both a planet and the industry we so dearly love.

This year, Peruvian brand ESCVDO, founded by Chiara Macchiavello, was awarded the Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers.  Founded in 2013, ESCVDO places Peru’s rich textile traditions at its creative heart. The brand employs over 400 artisans—95% of whom are women and 91% from rural areas—emphasising that sustainability extends beyond the garments to the workforce behind them. As a smaller brand, making giant leaps, ESCVDO was our standout winner on the night. Beautiful clothes, being made in beautiful ways, what’s not to love? 

Another notable was Diesel and its founder Renzo Rosso (who also owns Jil Sander, Marni, Maison Martin Margiela, by the way) - . Fresh off their SS25 debut, Diesel was honoured with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Award for Circular Economy as Renzo explained all the work they were putting into their circular renewal of denim, its offcuts and recycling efforts. 

For many, fashion provides an exciting escape from daily life. The innovation, excitement, and joy that clothes bring are cherished by many. But to truly enjoy fashion, we must learn how to develop it in a more sustainable way. After all, there’s no Prada on a dead planet.