Milan Celebrates Sustainable Fashion at Teatro alla Scala
The fashion world converged on Milan, Italy, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, for the prestigious CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards. Hosted at the iconic Teatro alla Scala, the ceremony, organized by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI) in collaboration with the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion and with the support of the Municipality of Milan, celebrated leaders and innovators in sustainable fashion. The event's highlight was a special tribute to legendary designer Giorgio Armani.
Giorgio Armani Receives Inaugural Legacy Award
In a significant moment, a newly instituted 'Legacy Award' was presented to honor Giorgio Armani's profound and lasting contributions to sustainable fashion. The award was accepted by members of his family, Leo Dell'Orco, Silvana Armani, and Andrea Camerana. The presentation was made by Dame Anna Wintour CH DBE, Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue.
The 'Legacy Award' replaces the 'Visionary Award,' which Armani himself received in 2022. Carlo Capasa, Chairman of CNMI, emphasized the award's significance, stating it 'acclaims a precious heritage and its preservation for future generations. Giorgio Armani's lesson for us – in terms of creativity, business, life – is an enlightening model at a moment of radical transformation for fashion.' Wintour lauded Armani as 'a creative leader, yes, but also a gentle and generous lion' and a 'visionary in his time,' acknowledging his role in redefining fashion's boundaries and promoting its values.
Armani's Enduring Commitment to Ethical Practices
Giorgio Armani has long been recognized for his advocacy of ethical practices within the fashion industry. His initiatives include banning underweight models in 2007 and actively promoting sustainable fashion. In 2011, he became the first luxury designer to participate in Livia Giuggioli Firth's Green Carpet Challenge, showcasing his commitment to using recycled materials. The Armani Group has consistently championed fashion rooted in principles of sustainability, ethics, and environmental respect, and played a key role in drafting 'Guidelines on eco-toxicological requirements for clothing, leather goods, footwear and accessories' for the Chamber of Fashion.
Other Honorees at the 2025 Awards
The ceremony, hosted by Shailene Woodley, also recognized several other organizations and individuals for their outstanding efforts across various categories of sustainability. Nine awards were conferred, highlighting diverse aspects of responsible fashion:
- The SFA Human Capital and Social Impact Award: Saheli Woman
- The SFA Groundbreaker Award: Aura Blockchain Consortium
- The SFA Climate Action Award: Schneider Group
- The SFA Education of Excellence Award: Kiton
- The SFA Circular Economy Award: Regenesi
- The SFA Biodiversity and Water Award: Ermenegildo Zegna Group (received by Anna Zegna and Alessandro Sartori)
- The SFA Craft and Artisanship Award: Tod's Group (received by Matteo Tamburini)
- The SFA Diversity and Inclusion Award: Willy Chavarria
- The Bicester Collection Award for Emerging Designers: The Sake Project
5 Comments
Fuerza
It's positive to see such an influential figure recognized for promoting ethical practices. However, we must question how deeply these ideals penetrate the entire supply chain beyond the brand's immediate control.
Manolo Noriega
Empty gestures while the planet burns. Talk is cheap when real change is needed.
Ongania
His long-standing ethical stance has genuinely changed fashion for the better. A real leader.
Manolo Noriega
"Sustainable luxury" is an oxymoron. This is just pure greenwashing and PR.
Fuerza
Awards like this definitely raise awareness for sustainable fashion, which is a good start. Yet, without systemic changes across all price points, the overall impact remains limited to a niche.