2025 Eco-Fashion and Lifestyle Award Finalists
SPONSORED BY
For furnishings, appliances, clothing, accessories and materials that whilst serving the needs of human beings are also supportive of and beneficial for the Earth’s biodiversity and eco-systems.
MicGalaw
MicGalaw is a female-led South African eco-fashion brand that transforms single-use plastics into stylish, durable bags, accessories, and furniture. Founded by Phumudzo Muthanyi, the project combines creativity, sustainability, and social impact by employing and upskilling youth and women from townships like Orange Farm and Mogale City. With a focus on circular design and environmental responsibility, MicGalaw has diverted over 100,000 tonnes of waste from landfills, educated communities on plastic pollution, and inspired a youth-driven green movement. Supported and recognized by organisations including Discovery Health, Pikitup, SABC News, and Global Citizen, MicGalaw demonstrates how training, employment, and innovation can create impact. The brand embodies Ubuntu, fosters community pride, and shows that fashion can be both beautiful and eco-conscious while contributing to environmental and social change.
Re.Bag.Re.Use
Re.Bag.Re.Use is an initiative that transforms plastic waste into functional art. By crocheting discarded plastic, such as bread bags, into fashion and lifestyle items, the project turns pollution into purpose. It empowers women from local communities, reduces plastic waste, and inspires environmental consciousness through creative reuse. Guided by Vision and Innovation, Re.Bag.Re.Use repurposes waste into value, while Responsibility and Trust ensure transparent community partnerships. Unity is fostered by collaborating with communities, brands, and local artisans. Rooted in eco-consciousness and sustainability, every bag contributes to a cleaner planet and stronger communities. Re.Bag.Re.Use demonstrates that fashion can drive meaningful impact, blending creativity, social empowerment, and environmental responsibility—one stitch at a time, proving that style and sustainability can thrive together.
The Up-Cycled Cloth Collective
The Up-Cycled Cloth Collective Facebook community reduces textile waste, one inspired idea at a time. With a global membership, members share ideas in the main group and access resources through regional groups, learning how to integrate textile upcycling into daily life and extend the use of existing textiles. The Moderation Team curates a safe, supportive environment, ensuring members can share ideas without fear of ridicule, following best practices for online communities. Focusing on handmade items by the original maker, the community delivers authentic, high-quality content. Members can ask questions directly of the makers. During the Facebook Community Accelerator Program 2022, subscriptions to a digital magazine and online course were added. Partnering with the UEA, the community now engages 245,000 members, inspiring sustainable practices worldwide.