The 2024 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards winners were announced on November 20 at the prestigious Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, in Cape Town. Celebrating the finest innovators and leaders in sustainable fashion, the awards recognized 10 category champions and one overall winner—the Changemaker of the Year.
Curated by a panel of local and international judges, the awards spotlight designers and brands reshaping South Africa’s fashion industry with a commitment to sustainability, circularity, and ethical practices. Jackie May, founder of Twyg, praised the winners:
“This year’s Sustainable Fashion Award winners are not merely creators – they are reshaping the fashion landscape with integrity, innovation, and a profound dedication to both people and the planet.”
Meet the 2024 Twyg Award Winners
- Student Award: Apricity
Rachel Mia’s avant-garde, genderless streetwear blends sustainable craftsmanship with bold design. The prize includes a Husqvarna Viking sewing machine to support future projects. - Emerging Designer Award: Mother of Gao
Recognized for naturally dyed textiles and chemical-free printing, Mother of Gao received R100,000 from H&M South Africa to further their sustainable practices. - Accessory Award: Athena A
Combining mythology-inspired luxury with eco-conscious design, Athena A’s jewelry uses recycled and ethically sourced materials. - Footwear Award: Sage & Sunday
This Cape Town brand excels in creating world-class footwear with renewable materials, fair labor practices, and minimal chemical use. - Trans-seasonal Design Award: GUGUBYGUGU
GUGUBYGUGU’s timeless, ethical, and wear-resistant designs reflect a commitment to community and sustainability. - Farm-to-Fashion Award: Yarnh
Yarnh stands out for using 100% natural fabrics and addressing socio-economic issues in the fashion sector. - Retail Award: 44 Stanley
This mixed-use Johannesburg hub champions local, ethically made fashion alongside its curated restaurants and shops. - Tastemaker Award: Thobeka Mbane
Known for her bold styling and cultural strategy, Mbane merges African heritage with modern fashion trends, creating iconic looks for figures like Zozibini Tunzi and Sho Madjozi. - Innovative Design & Materials Award: Stephanie Bentum
Stephanie Bentum’s textile artistry, using resource-efficient materials like angora fleece and Merino wool, sets a high standard for sustainable luxury. - Nicholas Coutts Artisanal Fashion Award: VIVIERS
Celebrating craftsmanship and community, VIVIERS creates limited-edition, conceptual pieces that redefine wearable art. - Changemaker Award: VIVIERS
Winning this prestigious overall category, VIVIERS earned an additional R100,000 courtesy of Markham for their transformative contributions to the industry.
An Evening of Celebration and Inspiration
The winners were celebrated with a fashion display curated by Markham, showcasing eco-conscious designs, while Spier wines and Royal Flush Gin cocktails kept the atmosphere lively.
The 2024 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards were made possible by partners including Markham, Country Road, H&M South Africa, Polo South Africa, Mungo, and Husqvarna Viking.
For more details, visit Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards.
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