DMU wins national award at Green Gown Awards 2021

De Montfort University Leicester’s (DMU) school of fashion and textiles won the Next Generation Learning and Skills award in the Green Gown Awards 2021, an award given to recognise the sustainability initiatives undertaken by universities and colleges.

The school of fashion and textiles has changed its curriculum to reflect the current challenges such as fast fashion, unethical supply chains and unsustainable synthetic materials in the fashion industry.

DMU has also set creative briefs that focus on sustainability and they have brought in industry professionals to share their stories. As well, DMU is the only university in the UK to be a hub for the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a series of 17 targets created to make the world a better place.

Vice-chancellor professor, Katie Normington, said in a statement: “Winning this award means the world to DMU as a UN SDG hub. The reputation and global reach of our fashion school drive us to produce graduates leading on responsible design and practice in fashion, ensuring the next generation of designers make a positive impact on our world.”

Professor Carolyn Hardaker, head of DMU’s school of fashion and textiles, added: “I am so proud that the work of staff and students has been acknowledged at a national level. It is great to have this recognition of our holistic and innovative approach to contemporary challenges.”

The judges of the award, commented: “There are great links to the local fashion industry and a real commitment to tackling these local challenges, while also making connections with international experts and considering the sustainability of assessments.”

Photo credit: De Montfort University