The Bicester Collection honours sustainable fashion in Milan

The Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers was presented to Priya Ahluwalia during the annual CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards that took place in Milan

Held at the historic 18th century Teatro la Scala in Milan, the annual CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards put the spotlight firmly on international brands and designers who are championing responsible and environmentally conscious fashion around the world.

This year the Bicester Collection - a collective of 11 distinctive shopping destinations in Europe and China representing the most renowned labels and more than 1,300 boutiques including restaurants, pop-ups, and art installations - collaborated with CNMI to present the Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers to London-born Nigerian-Indian designer Priya Ahluwalia. As a pioneer of sustainability in fashion, Ahluwalia uses repurposed materials for her pieces and works with an organisation to empower underprivileged rural women when it comes to producing her collections.

“Being environmentally and socially conscious is important to myself and everyone at Ahluwalia. It was key to the foundations of the brand and as we develop, we endeavour to learn more, listen more and ultimately act more. Receiving this award is a huge honour and reaffirms that our work has been meaningful and that anything is possible, regardless of your background or the industry’s current status quo,” said Ahluwalia.

The award also guarantees participation in a pop-up boutique and a showcase during Milano Fashion Week in 2024.

Desirée Bollier, Chair and Global Chief Merchant for Value Retail Management, said: “Ahluwalia is already making an impact on our industry– representing the next generation of iconic London fashion with her celebration of diverse cultural heritage, innovative design, and commitment to the planet. All three finalists are incredibly exciting new voices in fashion, and their talent and convictions speak to a promising future for our industry and our world.”

The two other finalists recognised by the award also include SO-LE Studio, a Milan-based jewellery brand that repurposes leather and brass, as well as Made For A Woman, the first women-led and women-centred fashion brand in Madagascar.