SILVER WINNER: STELLA CARAKASI
Location: Berkeley, California, USA
Focus: Architectural “Natural Lux” Apparel & Size-Agnostic Design
Website: https://www.stellacarakasi.com/
Stella Carakasi claims the Silver award for their profound work in dismantling the exclusionary “ideal” that has long plagued the fashion industry. While mainstream brands often ignore the 68% of women who wear a size 14 and above, Stella Carakasi has spent over three decades building a “conscious closet” that rejects the divide between regular and plus-size. By offering a seamless size continuum from XS to 2XL (2–22), the brand treats every woman’s body as a “perfect canvas,” proving that true inclusivity is not a marketing trend, but a fundamental human right in the world of design.
By utilizing proprietary blends of organic cotton, hemp, and Tencel™, Stella Carakasi avoids the waste associated with seasonal trends, instead producing small-batch collections that are engineered for longevity. Their production model is a masterclass in ethical guardianship; by partnering with BSCI, WRAP, and BVNA certified manufacturers, they ensure that every garment is produced with empathy for both the artisan and the ecosystem.
Standout Innovation: Successfully bridged the gap between high-end architectural design and radical inclusivity by offering a full 2–22 size continuum without “plus-size” categorization, supported by a 100% transparent, small-batch supply chain.
Quote from Stella Carakasi:
“My clothing is not about age or body type but rather about supporting women the way they are in this present moment, which is perfect and beautiful. Their bodies are the perfect canvas and I offer them a palette of color and texture to work with.”
Stella Carakasi, Founder & Designer
About Stella Carakasi: Launched in 2012 by Stella Carakasi and her team, the brand is the evolution of a 30-year journey that began with the first U.S. hemp clothing collection in the early 90s. After seeing the disconnect between the fashion industry’s messages and the reality of women’s lives, Stella moved away from the traditional wholesale model to become a Direct-to-Consumer disruptor. Based in Berkeley, California, the brand is a woman-led collective dedicated to quieting the “inner self-critic” of their customers, ensuring that every woman, regardless of shape or age, feels powerful, visible, and seen.
This 2025 Silver Award recognizes more than just eco-friendly fabrics, it celebrates a three-decade refusal to compromise. In a world of disposable trends and exclusionary fit-models, Stella Carakasi stands as proof that the most sustainable thing you can put on your body is a garment designed with empathy.