H&M champions sustainable fashion with £16,000 student grant

Four Central Saint Martins students have won the coveted H&M award for their commitment to circular fashion. The winners will share a £16,000 grant to support them in finalising their graduate collections and projects.

The award, which H&M also supported in 2021, aims to support emerging designers and journalists, "encouraging the next generation of fashion leaders to further engage with sustainability and accelerate the shift to circular fashion".

The 2024 winners are as follows:

• Stella Osei – BA Fashion Design
• Zsofia Toro – BA Fashion Design
• Pernilla Weinholz – BA Fashion Design
• Cody O'Connor – BA Fashion Communication

The panel of judges included H&M's Head of Design, Ann-Sofie Johansson along with Sarah Gresty, Course Leader for the BA Fashion Design course at Central Saint Martins, Philip Clarke, Course Leader for the BA Fashion Communication course at Central Saint Martins and Rok Hwang, Founder & Creative Director of Rokh and Central Saint Martin Alumni, who recently launched the Rokh H&M collaboration.

In addition to the prize, H&M is supporting one student with an internship within his design department at H&M Head Office in Stockholm.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M Creative Advisor, said: "The chosen designers shared the same passion for both fashion and sustainability and that is exactly what is needed for the future. Creativity will lead the way towards a sustainable fashion future and the selected students excelled in not only fashion but had clear ideas on how to make it durable and long-lasting."

Rok Hwang Founder & Creative Director of Rokh, added: "The decision was made carefully, considering the fusion of a talent and sustainability approach in fashion. We were inspired by the innovative minds that not only captivate the eye but also honour our planet’s resources."