On the final evening of Milan Fashion Week, the prestigious La Scala theater became a gathering point for fashion’s most forward-thinking minds, as the third annual *CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards* took center stage. Actors, designers, and editors alike contemplated a pressing question: *Can fashion and sustainability truly go hand in hand?* The ceremony, hosted by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana in partnership with the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) of the United Nations ITC Agency and the city of Milan, sought to answer this question by honoring industry leaders who excel in areas such as innovation, craftsmanship, and environmental justice.
Freida Pinto, the event’s charismatic host, captured the essence of the night when she spoke about “the vital link between fashion, culture, and sustainability.” Her words resonated deeply with the audience, which included notable attendees like Naomie Harris, Kelly Rutherford, Arizona Muse, and Ashley Graham. The awards recognized individuals and brands committed to a more sustainable fashion future, including Peruvian designer Chiara Macchiavello, founder and creative director of Escvdo. Macchiavello was honored with the Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers, joining a distinguished group of previous finalists like Ahluwalia and THEMOIRè.
Upon receiving the award, Macchiavello shared her gratitude and called for action: “This recognition will only fuel my mission to keep on working for all those people in need….Today we honor and celebrate sustainable actions which should be instinctive to all of us, not exceptional.” Her heartfelt speech emphasized the urgency of the moment, urging the audience to seize opportunities for change. “Let’s choose love, let’s open our hearts, because we all can,” she encouraged.
Behind the scenes, Macchiavello has been steadily working to make Escvdo a model of sustainability. Her brand adheres to a circular business model, using locally sourced Peruvian materials like Pima cotton and alpaca and ensuring zero-waste production through hand-knitting and weaving techniques. This commitment to sustainable craftsmanship not only supports local artisans but also demonstrates how fashion can be both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
Winning the Bicester Collection Award opens new doors for Escvdo, including opportunities to enter new markets, expand production capabilities, and diversify product offerings. Macchiavello expressed her excitement about the future: “This recognition will fuel our mission to positively impact those in need while we grow a sustainable, coherent business over time,” she told ELLE.com. Other finalists for the award included Kartik Research, known for its handmade items inspired by Indian subcultures, and Marco Rambaldi, a Bologna-based label that celebrates Italian craftsmanship.
While Chiara Macchiavello took home the award, The Bicester Collection—a luxury retailer with outdoor shopping destinations across Europe, China, and soon the U.S.—extends its support to all three finalists through a specialized mentorship program. This program, designed to elevate emerging talent, provides bespoke retail opportunities across its properties, offering a valuable platform for up-and-coming designers to grow their sustainable fashion businesses.
