NEWS RELEASE

SDC Sustainability Competition Winners

Students support a sustainable future for textiles

Joanne Westwood and Rosie O'Reilly were announced as the winners of the SDC-sponsored essay competition at the RITE Group conference held in London on 10 October 2007. The event focused on the areas of sustainability, traceability and responsibility in the textile industry and speakers included Joan Ruddock MP (the UK Government Minister for Climate Change, Recycling and Waste), Lord Peter Melchett (policy director of the Soil Association) and representatives from brands such as Marks & Spencer, Levi Strauss, Timberland and Patagonia and was hailed an outstanding success by delegates.

The aim of the SDC-sponsored competition, organised in conjunction with the RITE Group, was to help students become more aware of the issues surrounding sustainable textiles. It certainly seems that eco-matters are important to student designers, and entries were received from a truly international student body. As part of the sponsorship package, 25 students who entered the competition were invited to attend the conference, all of whom were invited on to the stage at the start of the afternoon session by Richard Blackburn, co-founder of the RITE Group, to each receive eco t-shirts donated by Howies.

The SDC president Adrian Abel then presented the prizes to the UK and overseas winners. He commented, ‘It is wonderful that, through this competition, so many students have been able to attend this excellent event. Students are the industry’s future and it is very encouraging that sustainability is such a key issue in their work as designers.’ Mr Abel then announced the two winners as Joanne Westwood (from University College Falmouth) and Rosie O’Reilly (from Trinity College Dublin). As part of their prizes, they received travel expenses and cash vouchers to spend at a number of eco-friendly retail outlets, plus online membership of the SDC for one year. The winning essays entitled ‘A sustainable future for textiles’ will be published online by the SDC in the near future.

Another opportunity for students and designers to hear talks on this important area is at the SDC London Region ‘Clean and Green’ event on 26 October 2007 to be held at London College of Fashion. Speakers will discuss matters such as sustainable cotton and ethical fashion; further details available on the SDC website.To book your place, email: Sue Williams

For more information about this release contact the SDC press office.