3rd Annual CFDA/Lexus Eco-fashion Challenge Winners Announced

NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120911/MM72268 )

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.

About Lexus

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 231 dealers. Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, offering five hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When it began, Lexus offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 10 vehicles, from the sporty CT 200h hybrid to the V10 supercar, the LFA.

About the CFDA

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962 that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 420 of America's foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, which recognize the top creative talent in the industry, the organization offers programs which support professional development and scholarships, including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the Geoffrey Beene Design Scholar Award, the Liz Claiborne Scholarship Award, the CFDA/Teen Vogue Scholarship, and the Gilt All Star Scholarship. Member support is provided through the Business Services Network, a high-profile group of companies offering designers strategic opportunities. The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate, not-for-profit organized to mobilize the membership to raise funds for charitable causes. Through the Foundation, the CFDA created and manages Fashion Targets Breast Cancer; raises funds for HIV/AIDS organizations with 7th on Sale; addresses the issue of model health with The CFDA Health Initiative; and is a key participant in other programs such as the annual Fashion's Night Out. For more information, please visit www.CFDA.com, facebook.com/cfda, twitter.com/cfda, cfda.tumblr.com, and youtube.com/cfdatv.

SOURCE Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA)