CFDA/Lexus Eco-fashion Challenge Winners Announced

Related: CFDA, Lexus, MADE Fashion Week

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a non-profit trade association, and Lexus once again challenged emerging designers to develop proposals for a sustainable clothing or accessory line with the environment in mind. At an event at MADE Fashion Week last night in New York, attended by many well-known designers and fashion insiders interested in supporting emerging and eco-friendly designers, the winners of the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge were revealed. The three winners of this year's challenge are Pamela Love, Victoria Bartlett, and Melissa Joy Manning.

All submitted proposals for a clothing or accessory line that demonstrated a commitment to ecologically responsible design. The contest required that a minimum of 30 percent of the collection be produced in an environmentally-friendly manner. Many of the proposals included components such as recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, minimal packaging and non-chemically treated fabrics.

"Lexus partnered with the CFDA to create the Eco-Fashion Challenge as a platform to encourage and support sustainable lifestyles," stated BrIan Smith, vice president of marketing for Lexus. "It's an opportunity to celebrate designers that share Lexus' commitment to providing sustainable products without sacrificing style or luxury. We're looking forward to February's Fashion Week to see the winners' work on the runway."

"The CFDA /Lexus Eco challenge is an important change factor in that it encourages and awards designers to create collections that are sustainable and environmentally friendly," said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. "We are impressed by the work of this year's winners and believe they represent a modern, socially responsible approach to design."

The winners will each receive $25,000 to bring their collection to life and produce a fashion show during the February 2013 Fashion Week in New York. The proposals were selected by a panel of judges from the CFDA, Marie Claire, ABC Carpet & Home, Amazon, The Terminal Presents and Parsons School of Design and were based on design credibility, business acumen and eco-commitment, with attention focused on eco-fabrics, materials, processes and packaging.

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