Canada Goose, the luxury outerwear brand, and Central Saint Martins, the prestigious arts and design college, have announced the extension of their partnership for multiple years. The partnership, which started in 2022, aims to support the next generation of fashion talent and to promote innovation and sustainability in the fashion industry. The partnership involves various initiatives, such as the Humanature Award for Responsible Design, a first-of-its-kind project that bridges two master’s courses, and a tree-planting program.
The Humanature Award for Responsible Design: Recognizing and Rewarding Responsible Fashion Practices
The Humanature Award for Responsible Design is one of the key elements of the partnership between Canada Goose and Central Saint Martins. The award, which was launched in 2023, is given to a MA Fashion student who demonstrates a commitment to responsible practice and integrates socio-ecological values into their design. The award is meant to encourage and empower the students to create fashion that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also ethical and environmentally friendly.
The winner of the award receives a cash prize of 10,000 pounds, as well as mentorship and support from Canada Goose and Central Saint Martins. The winner also gets the opportunity to showcase their work at the Central Saint Martins MA Fashion Show, which is sponsored by Canada Goose. The winner of the 2023 award was Chie Kaya, who created a collection called ‘The Goose’, which featured sustainable outerwear pieces and lifestyle objects made from recycled materials.
The winner of the 2024 award will be announced at the Central Saint Martins MA Fashion Show, which will take place on February 16, 2024. The show will feature the work of 20 MA Fashion students, who have been selected by a panel of judges, including Canada Goose representatives.
A First-of-Its-Kind Project: Bridging MA Fashion and MA Material Futures
Another initiative of the partnership between Canada Goose and Central Saint Martins is a first-of-its-kind project that brings together two renowned master’s courses, MA Fashion and MA Material Futures. The project, which will start in September 2024, will challenge the students to explore the intersection of science, technology, design, and fashion, and to create new materials and garments that push the boundaries of functionality and sustainability.
The project will involve a series of workshops, lectures, and field trips, as well as access to Canada Goose’s resources and expertise. The project will also involve collaboration and exchange between the students and the faculty of both courses, as well as external partners and experts. The project will culminate in a final presentation and exhibition, which will showcase the students’ work and findings.
The project is expected to generate new knowledge and insights, as well as new products and solutions, that will contribute to the advancement of the fashion industry and the society at large. The project is also expected to foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, as well as a sense of responsibility and awareness, among the students and the participants.
A Tree-Planting Program: Supporting the Conservation and Restoration of the Forest
A third aspect of the partnership between Canada Goose and Central Saint Martins is a tree-planting program, which supports the conservation and restoration of the forest. The program, which is part of Canada Goose’s Sustainable Impact strategy, aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025. The program also aligns with Central Saint Martins’ commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
The program involves planting one tree for every purchase of the Canada Goose x Central Saint Martins capsule collection, which will be launched in March 2024. The capsule collection will feature 10 styles, which will showcase the signature aesthetic and craftsmanship of Canada Goose, as well as the creative and innovative spirit of Central Saint Martins. The capsule collection will also support the social and environmental causes that both parties are passionate about, such as education, diversity, and sustainability.
The program will partner with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization that works with local communities and organizations to plant trees around the world. The program will focus on planting trees in Canada, where Canada Goose is based, and in the UK, where Central Saint Martins is located. The program will also monitor and report on the impact of the tree-planting activities, such as the amount of carbon sequestered, the biodiversity restored, and the livelihoods improved.
