CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge Unveils Winning Sustainable Collections at New York Fashion Week

NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The winning designers of the 2nd annual Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge unveiled their sustainable clothing and accessory collections on Feb. 9 at MADE at Milk Studios as part of New York Fashion Week. The show was attended by fashion editors and buyers who viewed eco-friendly designs from this year's three competition winners:  Marcia Patmos of New York, John Bartlett of New York and Johnson Hartig from Los Angeles.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120213/LA51892)

Each winning designer developed a clothing or accessory line demonstrating a commitment to ecologically responsible design. A minimum 25 percent of the collection had to be produced in an environmentally friendly manner. Many of the competition proposals included components such as recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, minimal packaging, and non-chemically treated fabrics. 

Winner Marcia Patmos incorporated multiple sustainable ideas into her designs, including zero-waste technology in her garment production, sourcing vegetable-tanned leather, and using animal-friendly faux fur. Designer John Bartlett's "Future-Rustic" collection was fabricated almost entirely in cruelty free, animal-free materials such as plant-based fabrics, organic cottons, and recycled synthetic materials, while winner Johnson Hartig, co-designer of the Libertine clothing line, also showed his eco-friendly fashions. 

"Seeing the winning collections come to life on the runway is truly a thrill for us at Lexus," stated Brian Smith, vice president of marketing for Lexus. "By partnering with the CFDA to create the Eco-Fashion Challenge, Lexus is encouraging sustainable lifestyles that don't sacrifice style or luxury. We're proud to support these industry thought-leaders as they share our passion for accelerating change in their respective field. "

The three winners each received $25,000 to support development of their collections. The proposals were selected by a panel of judges including Simon Collins (Parsons the New School For Design), Zanna Roberts Rossi (Marie Claire), Scott Hahn (Rogan/Loomstate), Julie Gilhart (consultant), Steven Kolb (CFDA) and Lisa Smilor (CFDA). Entries were selected 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 229 dealers. Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, offering four 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 400 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.

About MADE

MADE is a year-round, dynamic platform for connecting ascending talent in fashion, music, art and pop-culture with visionary brands to create new cultural platforms and communities. Its vibrant atmosphere encourages creativity, fosters growth and challenges convention. MADE's innovators are a powerful voice in the international dialogue who have initiated shifts in their collective industries.

SOURCE Lexus