February 8, 2012
Born Free USA's Fourth Annual Fashion Competition for Eco-Friendly Designers Announced
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Washington D.C. - Independent fashion designers are invited to enter their fur free fashions in the fourth annual Born Free USA fffashion Competition
Entrants will have the chance to have their submissions judged by an expert panel including international design and couture legend Elizabeth Emanuel perhaps best-known for creating Princess Diana's wedding gown; actress, bestselling author and beauty expert Victoria Principal; and Melissa Rivers, host of fashion events on TV Guide Channel and Fashion Police on E!, among other star-studded red carpet and reality programs.
The judging panel also includes Marina Draghici, Broadway, film and television Tony Award-winning costume designer and Hollywood stylist; Julia Barr, two-time Emmy Award winning actress most famous for her role as Brooke on All My Children; Brita Belli, editor of E/The Environmental Magazine; eco-model, activist and green living expert Summer Rayne Oakes, and fashion stylist and journalist Devon Poer.
According to Monica Engebretson, Senior Program Associate at Born Free USA, who oversees the competition, "This is an extraordinary opportunity for emerging fashion designers to gain exposure in the industry and showcase their talent, while promoting compassionate eco-savvy designs. Born Free's fffashion campaign
Previous fffashion competition winners include designer Valerie Mayen, a competitor on the 2009 season of Project Runway.
To compete in 2012, designers must create a fur-free woman's or man's coat, shirt, pants, dress, skirt or suit. For details, rules, and to enter the competition, go to www.bornfreeusa.org/fffashion. Deadline for entries is April 15, 2012. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, selected from the top ten finalists. There will also be a "Green Award" and a "Student Award."
Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic "pets," trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade.
Born Free USA brings to America the message of "compassionate conservation" -- the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers, now CEO of both organizations. Born Free's mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.
More at: www.bornfreeusa.org
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
