Vivienne Westwood to be honoured at Fashion Awards

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Dec 5, 2018

British designer Vivienne Westwood will receive the Swarovski Award for Positive Change at this year’s Fashion Awards for her continued efforts to promote a more sustainable fashion industry and world.

Previously awarded to Franca Sozzani (2016) and Maria Grazia Chiuri (2017), the Swarovski Award for Positive Change celebrates individuals who have made a positive impact on society, the environment or both.

Over the last 20 years, Vivienne Westwood frequently used her brand and collections to raise awareness about several environmental and human rights issues. A Greenpeace ambassador, she supports the UN’s International Trade Centre by producing bags through their Ethical Fashion Initiative, and is committed to save the rainforest and stop climate change through her work with Cool Earth.

In September last year, Westwood also partnered with the BFC and the Mayor of London to launch a Switch to Green campaign to rally the fashion industry behind new sustainability standards.

“With this special award, Dame Vivienne Westwood will be recognised for being a campaigner for change throughout her career. She has led the way championing humanitarian and environmental issues, and her contribution to British fashion, make her one of the most respected designers in the fashion industry and a great inspiration to us all,” commented Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council.

Nadja Swarovski, member of the Swarovski executive board added: “Dame Vivienne Westwood has made an indelible mark on global fashion and we are delighted to celebrate her inspirational creativity, lifelong advocacy of environmental  causes and promotion of ethical fashion which have had an enduring and profound effect on the industry.”

The designer will receive the award at the Fashion Awards gala at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 10 December.