be the change
In tandem with its new global format, The Fashion Awards 2016 (formerly the British Fashion Awards) introduced a new Outstanding Achievement Award at last night’s event: The Swarovski Award for Positive Change. Created in partnership with Swarovski, the award recognizes individuals who promote the welfare of others by the generous donation of their resources in order to achieve change and positive impact to good causes. The inaugural award winner is Franca Sozzani, Editor in Chief of Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue.
Franca Sozzani has been honored for her commitment to diversity and emerging talent, as well as for the consistent prominence she gives to important social issues in Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue. Sozzani has always championed the next generation of designers and has played an integral part in the Who Is On Next?, the initiative that identifies and promotes emerging talent around the world, from Europe to Africa, from Asia to the Middle East. She has also overseen the creation of the dedicated Vogue Talents section of the Vogue Italia website.
Beyond the fashion industry, Sozzani has long used her position and influence to positively impact the wider world. Her tireless commitment to fundraising for local and international charities has benefited a great number of worthy causes. She will be recognised at the ceremony in part for her commitment to her role as Global Ambassador Against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Programme, her work with Convivio in the fight to eradicate AIDS and the work she does with the European Institute of Oncology towards prevention and diagnosis of oncological diseases.
Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board commented: “We are delighted to present the inaugural Swarovski Award for Positive Change to Franca Sozzani. During her nearly three decades as editor of Vogue Italia she has worked tirelessly both to innovate and push at the creative boundaries of fashion, and to help lead the global fight for a world without AIDS, cancer and hunger. Franca is an incredible woman and a force for good, and this award is the perfect celebration of her commitment to positive change, both inside and outside the industry.
Dame Natalie Massenet, British Fashion Council Chairman commented: “Words cannot express the huge deal of admiration and respect I have for Franca and her work. She exemplifies those qualities this reward has been created to honour, and her tireless commitment to the causes she cares so passionately about is a great example to us all. The positive impact she has had on the fashion and global communities will be felt for generations to come.”
