The judges group shot

The CNMI Green Carpet Talent Competition 2018

Edward Enninful, Ellie Goulding, Derek Blasberg and Petra Nemcova among some of the judges announcing finalists for fashion’s biggest sustainable design contest.

Edward Enninful, Ellie Goulding, Derek Blasberg, Petra Nemcova, Camille Charriere, Natalie Kingham, Carmen Busquets, Jenke Ahmed Tailly, Livia Firth, Carlo Capasa, Desirée Bollier and Hu Bing were among the illustrious judges* who today selected the finalists for the second edition of The CNMI Green Carpet Talent competition.

The competition challenges emerging designers worldwide to redefine sustainability in fashion, drawing on the Italian supply chain. The competition which is part of The Green Carpet Fashion Awards, Italia, is supported by The Bicester Village Shopping Collection by Value Retail.

Judges scrutinised entries from short-listed design talent. Innovations on display included sequins laser cut from used plastic bottles; rhubarb tanned leather; graphite upcycled from the tech industry used as a substitute for chemical dyes and a dress made from Jute bags purchased from Navigli market in Milan. [These jute bags are typically sold in Milan to be used as water barriers to stop floods from canals which is an increasing issue due to rising water levels caused by global warming.

‘This year’s entrants are making deep connections,’ said Carlo Capasa, President Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, ‘that run into the Italian supply chain but also offer commentary and in a way solutions to the global plastic pandemic or climate change.

‘Young designers invested in sustainability are pushing the limits of fashion further every year. It is stunning to see.’

‘The design talent and innovation this year has blown me away’, said Livia Firth, Founder and Creative Director, Eco-Age. ‘The designers we’ve seen are not only highlighting traditional Italian craftsmanship but also creating their own materials when they can’t find sustainable solutions on the market. Through their creativity, drive and passion they are setting a clear challenge to the wider industry.’