Stella McCartney A/W19
Image: Imaxtree

As the struggle with global warming and ecological problems intensify, we’re starting to count on the fashion industry to do their part by creating more sustainable and eco-friendly products. Common Objective is honoring 10 of those brands with its annual CO10 Leadership Award, which recognizes companies who have made sustainability a priority.

Top honors went to the following 10 brands: Stella McCartney, Christopher Raeburn, Osklen, Indigenous, Outland Denim, Mayamiko, Sonica Sarna Design, Ethical Apparel Africa and The Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills.

These brands were chosen because of their ability to combine sustainability strategies with commercial ones. The criteria for judging involved the brand’s mission, business model, products and services, impact, sustainability roadmap and communication strategy. Besides the heavy criteria, the brands had to face experienced and talented judges such as Vivienne Westwood, Caroline Rush, Roland Mouret, Dylan Jones and representatives of Farfetch and Kering. 

Image: Raeburn Menswear Collection Spring 2019 via Imaxtree

Tasmin Lejeune, CEO of Common Objective, says: “We’re recognizing the businesses that are pioneering best practice in the fashion industry, from one end of the supply chain to the other, from established players to new generation innovators. Our goal is to reward the businesses that are taking a leadership role and encourage others to follow suit.”

As a winner of the CO10 Leadership Award, the brands will be connected to businesses such as suppliers, advisers and new team members that fit the needs of the company and its mission of creating sustainable products. 

“Their businesses will be amplified to a 12,000-plus network of professionals and organizations through exclusive content and an algorithm boost in our search-ranking. They will become part of a community with a wealth of insight,” said Harold Tillman, former chairman of the British Fashion Council to WWD.

Designer Christopher Raeburn says that he was excited to win due to the opportunities the company would give his brand. “It’s fantastic to be recognized for our contribution to the industry as it recognizes the full spectrum of the fashion business, from the supplier through to the brand. This is how we approach responsible design,” he said, according to WWD.

Stella McCartney A/W19
Images: Imaxtree

With these awards from Common Objective continuing to recognize sustainable brands in the fashion industry, many more brands continue to push or convert to more sustainable products and more eco-friendly manufacturing.