“Being selected as the winner is both magical and motivating," says Elisabet Stamm of the recognition for her newly-established eponymous label's sustainable practices
In a continuation of Zalando’s steadfast partnership with Copenhagen Fashion Week, this week’s autumn/winter 2023 showcase saw the return of the online retailer’s esteemed Sustainability Award. The accolade, which has been deservedly bestowed to Icelandic label Ranra and Danish brand Iso.Poetism in recent seasons, celebrates and supports brands that make sustainability the cornerstone of their practices. It’s a focal part of the program in the Danish capital, seamlessly complementing the values of CPHFW which implemented its 18 Minimum Standards this season.
Following the runway presentations of the three finalists as part of the official AW23 schedule, it has been announced that Stamm has taken out the top gong. Stamm, with Danish designer Elisabet Stamm at the helm, impressed the jury with its use of materials throughout its AW23 collection, including recycled down in puffer jackets,and Indian Khadi, a heritage textile made with organic handspun cotton.
Elisabet Stamm with the line-up of models for Stamm's AW23 runway show.
Jury member Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week comments on the award win: “With the announcement of STAMM as the winner of this edition, it is a celebration of the brand’s endless dedication to explore innovative materials compositions and transformative silhouettes. STAMM’s creations are inspiring not only through their astonishing designs but also through being a carrier of the brand’s commitment to support and restore the use of handcrafted materials.”
Marking the brand’s first ever runway, Stamm’s AW23 show made a compelling first impression. The mood was otherworldly and alienesque, while the clothes themselves were highly innovative. In the designer’s own words, Stamm is “expressive and shape-shifting”, and a brand that creates for “longevity”.
“We always wanted to drive change, not just in design, but to find the most beautiful meaning in life when worlds and cultures collide. Our products are made using more responsibly sourced materials while keeping in mind its origin, craft and general existence, carried forward with both transparency and traceability.”
Backstage at Stamm's AW23 show.
STAMM will receive a prize of €20,000 and the opportunity to develop an exclusive collection with Zalando that will further leverage more sustainable design solutions across materials, production processes, technology and traceability. To further support STAMM in their growth, Zalando will make their autumn/winter 2023 collection, showcased at Copenhagen Fashion Week, available to Zalando customers across all European markets.
Reflecting on the acknowledgement from the jury, Stamm says: “Being selected as the winner of Zalando Sustainability Award
is both magical and motivating. It is a celebration of a young brand that is driven by innovation, diversity and aesthetic expression with a conscious mindset. We are humble and proud to be a part of such an important and purposeful platform and have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders. Winning this award will let us expand our network and keep working towards bringing positive change. I also hope to be able to inspire others to create with purpose and believe in exchange across borders.”
Stamm AW23. Photo: James Cochrane
Stamm AW23. Photo: James Cochrane
Stamm AW23. Photo: James Cochrane
Runner-up Selam Fessahaye was recognised by the jury for her huge range of materials, styles and technical competency, while TG Botanical was praised for the craftsmanship, use of natural raw materials and local production.
The Zalando Sustainability Award finalist collections were also showcased in the Zalando Greenhouse, a digital showroom that allows consumers around the world to watch the shows through livestream.