Overview of the Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Sustainable Fashion
Celebrating Visionaries: The Prestige of the
UN-SEAM Fashion Award
The UN-SEAM Fashion Award Singapore stands as a beacon of recognition for groundbreaking achievements in sustainable fashion. It is a testament to the creativity, dedication, and foresight of designers, brands, and innovators who are actively shaping a more responsible and equitable future for the industry. Our awards are designed to spotlight those who not only push the boundaries of design but also integrate profound environmental and social consciousness into every aspect of their work.
This prestigious accolade is more than just a trophy; it is a powerful platform that amplifies voices, fosters collaboration, and inspires a global movement towards conscious consumption and production. Winners and finalists gain unparalleled visibility, connect with industry leaders, and receive support to further their impactful initiatives. Join us in celebrating the pioneers who are proving that fashion can be both beautiful and sustainable.
The Judging Process & Criteria: A Commitment to Fairness and Rigor
Our Rigorous Approach: Ensuring Fair and Transparent Evaluation
The UN-SEAM Fashion Award Singapore employs a comprehensive and impartial judging process to ensure that the most deserving and impactful contributions to sustainable fashion are recognized. Our esteemed panel of judges comprises a diverse group of international experts, including renowned fashion designers, sustainability scientists, industry leaders, academics, and ethical fashion advocates. Each judge brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring a holistic and informed evaluation of every entry.
30%
Innovation
Originality of concept, novelty of materials/processes, and forward-thinking solutions that address current and future sustainability challenges.
30%
Sustainability Impact
Measurable environmental and social benefits, adherence to ethical practices throughout the supply chain, and integration of circularity principles. This includes considerations for resource efficiency, waste reduction, fair labor, and community engagement.
20%
Design & Aesthetics
Creativity, craftsmanship, aesthetic appeal, market viability, and the ability to create desirable products that do not compromise on style or quality.
10%
Feasibility & Scalability
The potential for the design, material, or initiative to be implemented on a larger scale, demonstrating practical applicability and broader industry impact.
10%
Presentation & Clarity
The quality of submitted materials, including visual documentation and written descriptions, and the clear articulation of ideas and sustainable methodologies.
Our Esteemed Panel: Weaving Expertise into Every Thread
The Visionaries Behind the Verdict: Meet Our Distinguished Judges
The UN-SEAM Fashion Award Singapore is honored to present an exceptional panel of judges, each a luminary in their respective fields, united by a shared commitment to sustainable fashion and innovation. Our judges bring a wealth of diverse expertise, ranging from pioneering design and material science to ethical production, industry leadership, and academic excellence. Their collective wisdom ensures a rigorous, fair, and insightful evaluation process, identifying the true trailblazers who are shaping the future of fashion.
Their dedication to fostering a more responsible and equitable industry is paramount. They are not just evaluators but mentors, advocates, and thought leaders who understand the intricate balance between creativity, commercial viability, and environmental stewardship. We are immensely grateful for their invaluable contributions to the UN-SEAM Fashion Award, and their role in guiding the next generation of sustainable fashion innovators.
The Judging Process: Our Commitment to Excellence
A Fair and Thorough Evaluation
Our judges follow a comprehensive and multi-stage evaluation process to ensure every entry receives the attention and consideration it deserves. This process is designed to be transparent, objective, and aligned with the core values of the UN-SEAM Fashion Award. For a detailed breakdown of the judging criteria and rounds, please refer to our Awards & Categories Page Link.
Judging Rounds:
- Initial Screening: All submissions undergo a preliminary review to ensure adherence to eligibility requirements and basic submission guidelines.
- First Round Evaluation: Entries are independently reviewed and scored by multiple judges based on the outlined criteria. A shortlist of top-scoring entries is then selected for further consideration.
- Second Round & Deliberation: Shortlisted entries undergo a more in-depth review, which may include virtual presentations, interviews, or additional material requests. Judges engage in collaborative discussions to evaluate the merits of each entry and determine finalists.
- Final Judging & Selection: The panel convenes for a final deliberation to select the winners in each category. Their decisions are based on a consensus-driven approach, ensuring thorough consideration of all aspects.
The judges' decisions are final and binding. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency throughout the entire judging process.
The 7 Contest Categories: Defining the Future of Sustainable Fashion
The UN-SEAM Fashion Award Singapore celebrates excellence in sustainable fashion design, recognizing designers who create fashion that is both aesthetically compelling and environmentally conscious. Under the inaugural theme "Regeneration: Fashion's Second Life," the competition invites designers to explore circular design principles, upcycling, and material innovation.
The following categories have been established to recognize excellence across different career stages, design approaches, and sustainability innovations. Participants may enter multiple categories if they meet the specific eligibility requirements for each.
"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live." —Gianni Versace
CONSCIOUS COUTURE AWARD
The premier award recognizing excellence in high-end sustainable fashion design
This flagship award celebrates designers who create exceptional high-fashion pieces or collections that demonstrate both outstanding aesthetic value and innovative sustainable practices. Entries should represent the pinnacle of "Conscious Couture" – proving that sustainability and luxury can coexist at the highest levels of fashion.
Eligibility:
- Open to established professional designers with at least 5 years of industry experience
- Must submit a collection of 5-8 complete looks
- Must demonstrate commercial viability alongside creative excellence
- Must incorporate at least two significant sustainable practices or innovations
EMERGING VISIONARY AWARD
Recognizing rising talent in sustainable fashion design
This award identifies and supports emerging designers who demonstrate exceptional promise in sustainable fashion design. Entries should showcase fresh perspectives, innovative approaches to sustainability challenges, and strong aesthetic vision.
Eligibility:
- Open to designers who have been professionally active for 1-5 years
- Must submit a collection of 3-5 complete looks
- Must demonstrate a clear sustainable design philosophy
- Previous fashion education is not required, but professional experience is
STUDENT INNOVATION AWARD
Celebrating the next generation of sustainable fashion designers
This award recognizes outstanding sustainable fashion design from students and recent graduates, encouraging the development of sustainability skills and knowledge from the earliest career stages.
Eligibility:
- Open to current fashion students or those who graduated within the last 18 months
- Must submit 2-3 complete looks
- Must be enrolled in or graduated from a recognized fashion design program
- Must include detailed documentation of sustainable processes and materials
MATERIAL REVOLUTION AWARD
Honoring breakthrough innovations in sustainable materials
This award recognizes designers and material scientists who develop or utilize innovative sustainable materials in fashion design. Entries should demonstrate how new materials or innovative applications of existing sustainable materials can transform the fashion industry.
Eligibility:
- Open to designers, material scientists, or collaborative teams
- Must submit material samples and at least one complete fashion application/garment
- Must provide comprehensive documentation of material composition, production process, and environmental impact
- Must demonstrate scalability potential
CIRCULAR DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD
Celebrating mastery of circular fashion principles
This award recognizes designs that exemplify circular economy principles, demonstrating exceptional approaches to eliminating waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
Eligibility:
- Open to designers at any career stage
- Must submit 3-5 complete looks that demonstrate circular design principles
- Must provide detailed documentation of the circular approach
- Must demonstrate potential for scaling the circular model
ARTISANAL CRAFT & HERITAGE AWARD
Honoring sustainable design that preserves and evolves traditional craftsmanship
This award celebrates designers who incorporate traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage into contemporary sustainable fashion. Entries should demonstrate how traditional techniques and knowledge can be preserved, evolved, and made relevant for today's fashion industry while supporting sustainable practices.
Eligibility:
- Open to designers working with traditional craft techniques
- Must submit 3-5 complete looks that incorporate traditional craftsmanship
- Must provide documentation of the cultural and historical context of the techniques used
- Must demonstrate how the approach supports sustainable practices and artisan communities
DIGITAL FASHION FRONTIER AWARD
Recognizing innovation in digital fashion with sustainability impact
This award recognizes pioneering work in digital fashion that offers sustainable alternatives to physical production. Entries should demonstrate how digital design, virtual fashion, NFTs, gaming, or metaverse applications can reduce the environmental impact of fashion while creating new creative and commercial opportunities.
Eligibility:
- Open to digital designers, fashion technologists, and creative technologists
- Must submit 3-5 digital fashion creations with sustainability impact statement
- Must demonstrate technical innovation and creative excellence
- Must quantify potential environmental benefits of the digital approach
Prizes & Recognition: Beyond the Award
Your Journey to Impact: What Winners Receive
The UN-SEAM Fashion Award Singapore offers more than just recognition; it provides a springboard for sustained growth and impact. Winners and finalists will benefit from a comprehensive package designed to elevate their work and accelerate their journey in sustainable fashion.
For Winners in Each Category:
- Cash Prize: A significant monetary award to support further development and scaling of their sustainable initiatives.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Exclusive access to seasoned industry leaders, sustainability experts, and business strategists for personalized guidance and strategic advice.
- Media Features: Extensive coverage in leading fashion, lifestyle, and sustainability publications, both locally and internationally, amplifying their story and impact.
- Exhibition Space: Prominent display of their winning designs or innovations at the UN-SEAM Fashion Award Exhibition, reaching a diverse audience of industry professionals and conscious consumers.
- Industry Connections: Facilitated introductions to potential investors, manufacturers, retailers, and collaborators, opening doors to new opportunities.
- Publicity & Brand Exposure: Inclusion in all official press releases, marketing campaigns, and digital platforms of the UN-SEAM Fashion Award Singapore, enhancing their brand visibility and credibility.
For Finalists:
- Recognition: Acknowledgment as a leading innovator in sustainable fashion, providing a significant boost to their profile.
- Exhibition Presence: Opportunity to showcase their work at the UN-SEAM Fashion Award Exhibition, gaining valuable exposure.
- Networking: Access to exclusive networking events with judges, sponsors, and industry peers.
- Digital Features: Inclusion on the UN-SEAM Fashion Award website and social media channels.
Past Winners / Hall of Fame
Inspiring Legacies: A Look at Our Previous Champions
The UN-SEAM Fashion Award Hall of Fame honors the visionary designers, innovative brands, and sustainability champions who are reshaping the fashion industry. These trailblazers prove that exceptional design and environmental responsibility are not just compatible - they're inseparable.
Each year, our distinguished winners join an exclusive community of change-makers who are defining the future of conscious luxury and inspiring a new generation of sustainable fashion leaders.
2026 INAUGURAL WINNER
Winner announcement: November 27, 2026
2026 INAUGURAL WINNER
Winner announcement: November 27, 2026