Independent fashion designers are invited to enter their fur free fashions in the Born Free USA fffashion Competition for a chance to win prizes, significantly boost their fashion career, be featured in a leading magazine, and help promote the ethical and environmental benefits of fur free fashion.
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Entrants also will have the chance to have their submissions judged by a panel including two-time Emmy Award-winning actress and animal supporter Julia Barr (“All My Children”), and international design and couture legend Elizabeth Emanuel, perhaps best-known for creating Princess Diana’s wedding gown.
Winners also will be selected by Rachelle Carson-Begley (“Living with Ed” on Discovery’s Planet Green), Kristin Bauer (Pam on HBO’s “True Blood”), Brita Belli (editor of E/The Environmental Magazine) and Summer Rayne Oakes (eco-model, activist and green living expert).
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 showcase their talent, be judged by people who have an eye for style and make a difference by promoting compassionate eco-savvy design. Born Free’s fffashion campaign and competition aims to educate the public and the fashion industry about stopping the sale and glamorization of fur.”
Adam Roberts, executive vice president of Born Free USA, adds, “We are thrilled to have Julia and Elizabeth join this year’s judging panel and we embrace the varied backgrounds and experiences that each of our judges brings to the competition. Those who enter this year will have their designs seen by judges who know fashion from different worlds and who are deeply compassionate.”
Previous fffashion competition winners include “Project Runway’s” Valerie Mayen, who came in second place in fffashion 2010.
To compete in 2011, designers must create a woman’s or man’s coat, shirt, pants, dress, skirt or suit. For further details, rules and guidelines, and to enter the competition, go to www.bornfreeusa.org/fffashion. Deadline for entries is April 15, 2011. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, selected from the Top 10 finalists. There also will be a “Green Award” and a “Student Award.”
Born Free USA (BFUSA) is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation and public education, BFUSA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and destructive international wildlife trade. BFUSA’s Primate Sanctuary in Texas is home to more than 500 primates rescued from laboratories, roadside zoos and private possession. BFUSA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation,” the vision of the United Kingdom-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, now CEO of both organizations. BFUSA’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; on twitter at http://twitter.com/bornfreeusa; and facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, publicrelations@bornfreeusa.org, 203/270-8929