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The black-tie gathering was the closing event
to the city's six-day fashion extravaganza, a week after
London's fashion week declared itself fur-free for the first
time.
Fashion brands have begun paying more attention to their
companies' impact on the environment and their production
methods as customers are becoming increasingly ecologically
aware in their choices.
A total of 13 awards were handed out at the second edition of
the 'Green Carpet fashion Awards', promoted by Italy's national
fashion association, CNMI, and sustainability consultancy
Eco-Age, founded and directed by Italian film producer Livia
Firth, the wife of Colin Firth.
"Fashion can be very beautiful and lucrative, but to be here for
a real purpose for me is important," model Elle Macpherson said.
Winners, who have demonstrated commitment to and investment in
change, included McPherson and the cobblers of fashion house
Salvatore Ferragamo SpA.
Colin Firth told Reuters that the event, held at Milan's La
Scala opera house, meant that the message could spread and
"inspire all sorts of other people".
Moore said she was impressed by the commitment of everyone in
the fashion industry toward sustainability, with people "really
taking responsibility."
"No one industry can tackle climate change and the
sustainability issue by itself," Blanchett said, adding the
fashion industry, however, was influential enough to spearhead
change.
CNMI President Carlo Capasa said sustainability was not just
about fur but upgrading rules on the use of chemicals,
recycling, production methods and work conditions.
The CNMI is drawing up a set of guidelines, some of which are
already published on its website.
A growing number of luxury groups, including Versace, Gucci and
Armani, have given up fur in their collections. Others are
finding new techniques to make their supply chains more green,
including dying techniques and recycling.
"Sustainability is important as it is the future. There is only
one way forward", Livia Firth said, adding that fashion
companies had to look to sustainability to be profitable in the
long run.
But brands, producers, designers and industry experts agreed the
process was initially costly and would take time.
"You have to start somewhere ... (it) takes years (and) you
can't change overnight, but you have to start, be courageous and
have a vision," Livia Firth added.
(Reporting by Giulia Segreti; Editing by Peter Cooney)
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