Franca Sozzani to be honoured at The Fashion Awards

Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue Franca Sozzani will receive the new Swarovski Award for Positive Change at The Fashion Awards next month in recognition of her "commitment to diversity and for using her position and influence to positively impact the wider world".

Sozzani has been singled out for the award, which has been introduced this year as part of the event's new global perspective (it was previously known as the British Fashion Awards), due to her tireless commitment to fundraising for local and international charities.

She will also be recognised 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.

In her work at Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue, Sozzani has given consistent prominence to social issues and has played an integral part in the Who Is On Next?, the initiative that identifies and promotes emerging talent around the world. She has also overseen the creation of the dedicated Vogue Talents section of the Vogue Italia website.

Sponsor of the award and member of the Swarovski executive committee Nadja Swarovski said she was delighted that Sozzani was receiving the inaugural award. "During her nearly three decades as editor of Vogue Italia she has worked tirelessly both to innovate and push 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," she said.

Chair of the British Fashion Council Dame Natalie Massenet added: "Words cannot express the huge deal of admiration and respect I have for Franca and her work. She exemplifies those qualities this award 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."

The Fashion Awards have been repositioned this year to have a global perspective and will act as a fundraiser for the British Fashion Council Education Foundation charity. The Education Foundation offers scholarships to young people to study BAs and MAs and offers funding for apprenticeships to develop industry skills. It is hoped the event will raise £10m over the next 10 years.

Earlier this month it was revealed that legendary American photographer Bruce Weber would receive the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator at the event, which takes place on 5 December at the Royal Albert Hall. For a full list of nominees click here.