M&S wins sustainabl​e fashion award

Marks and Spencer has been crowned as the high street’s ‘sustainable fashion champion’ at the 2013 Sustainable City Awards, which was held in partnership with the British Fashion Council. In its twelfth year, the Sustainable City Awards

organised by the City of London Corporation, took place last night (March 19) at London’s Mansion House, and honoured sustainable business across a 12 categories including food, housing, and fashion for the first time – recognising both best high street chain and best designer.

Sustainable City Awards unveil winners
Supported by eco-fashion ambassador Livia Firth, the awards recognised Marks and Spencer’s on-going commitment to social and environmental responsibility, and awarded the retailer with the high street accolade, for its sustainable programme, Plan A, which includes its Shwopping initiative in conjunction with Oxfam.

While fair trade millinery company, Pachacuti, which was founded by Carry Somers in 1992, won the best fashion designer award.

There were also a number of highly commended brands, recycled swimwear label Auria was runner-up in the designer category, while People Tree founded by Safia Minney took home the runners up award in the high street category.

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, said: “Fashion is full of possibilities and as an industry we are full of creativity; this makes fashion a powerful tool in ensuring sustainability is at the core of all business practice.”

Other winners including Wahaca, Close the Door Campaign, British Land, and Thrifty Couture, a social enterprise making upcycled clothing for men and women, which took home the Overall Winner Award.

Image: Marks and Spencer