RE:Fashion Awards winners announced at glamorous night of celebs and celebration

Last night’s high octane RE:Fashion Awards brought the stars of ethical fashion together with hot young celebrity models Daisy Lowe, Pixie Geldof and Leah Wood for an evening of celebration, champagne and, of course, awards! Pictured above, greenmystyle.com editor Sarah Woodhead with the night’s winner supreme, Orsola de Castro, one half of Designer of the Year duo From Somewhere. Yanar Alkayat reports.

Yanar writes:

No one knew what to expect from the first ever RE:Fashion Awards, but the celeb-sprinkled crowd, a Who’s Who of the ethical fashion industry and a magically high vibe made the night more fabulous than anyone could have anticipated.

Telegraph fashion editor Hilary Alexander made her excitement and support clear. “We are on our way to making eco eternal, and I look forward to the day I sit down in Paris and see John Galliano design an ethical collection,” she said to a whooping and cheering crowd.

As cocktails and champagne flew around the room, the energy and excitement accelerated and a bronzed and beautiful Louise Roe, presenting the awards, struggled at one point to be heard above the happy chatter. Award nominees were announced while models paraded the winning collections down the catwalk.

Celeb-spotting moments turned up the glamour levels, as Pearl Lowe and Jo Wood presented an award and Pixie Geldof, Leah Wood and Daisy Lowe appeared for some runway action in Vivienne Westwood gowns.

Sam Roddick (daughter of Anita) spoke eloquently of working together as a collective to bring about change in the fashion industry and the oh-so adorable Ethical Pests whirled onto stage in a bundle of excitement for some award-giving too.

Fashion and ethics truly shone last night as recognition, celebration and hope filled the room in the heart of urban-chic Shoreditch in London.  One half of From Somewhere, Orsola de Castro, was so overwhelmed to receive her second award (they were up for two and scooped both) she was holding back gulps of emotion.

Speaking to greenmystyle.com editor Sarah Woodhead later, the acclaimed designer said: “I hadn’t even imagined winning that award (for RE: Fashion Designer of the Year), it was amazing.”

Fashion retailer Adili, were equally surprised at winning RE: Retailer of the Year. “We totally didn’t expect to win,” said Simone Ruffin, who heads up the brand’s marketing team. “But we truly believe we can turn the conventional fashion industry ethical.”

Pioneering jewellery label Made won RE: Africa award and the brains behind the brand, Cristina Cisilino, said: “Having a feel-good brand is not enough. Well-designed, large enough quantities are needed to make a difference to the communities in Africa.”

Fashion and ethics went hand-in-hand as dazzling party frocks from both ethical designers and eclectic vintage mixes were the look of the night. People Tree’s Safia Minney (who sadly didn’t win any awards) looked stunning in an emerald green mini-prom dress and Orsola de Castro was in a funky, vertical striped shift and green tights.

It was an inspirational night which signalled a tipping point in fashion and Cyndi Rhoades from Anti-Apathy, a co-organiser of the Awards with Futerra and the Ethical Fashion Foundation, spoke boldly for the future. “In this room we have the people that can change the world. Together we can make a change that’s unstoppable.”

Next page: The full list of last night’s winners, and nominees:

RE:Fashion Awards photo gallery

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