Washington D.C., March 1, 2012 – – Television personality, talk show host, manager, producer, author and philanthropist Sharon Osbourne and her daughter, singer, actress and fashion designer Kelly Osbourne have signed on today to serve as judges for the fourth annual Born Free USA fffashion Competition.
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The contest invites emerging fashion designers to enter their fur free designs for a chance to be judged by top celebrities; win prizes; significantly boost their fashion career; be featured in a national magazine; and help promote the ethical and environmental benefits of fur free fashion.
Both Sharon and Kelly, patrons of the Born Free Foundation and powerful international advocates for the protection of animals as well as other causes close to their hearts, support Born Free USA and its aim to encourage compassion and cruelty-free fashion. Kelly has been a force in the fashion world with her own designs, working with other designers and as a host on the E! program Fashion Police.
According to Adam Roberts, Executive Vice President of Born Free USA, “Sharon and Kelly are ideal people to be involved with this important campaign. With Sharon’s success and experience nurturing young and emerging talent in the music world, her deep-rooted passion to protect animals and the environment, and her obvious sense of style and great taste, our fashion competition is the perfect fit for her. As for Kelly, in addition to her hosting, acting and musical talents, she has an extraordinary sense of style and is truly a trend-setter. We sincerely appreciate their generosity, time, and spirit.”
The Osbournes lead a panel of judges that also include: actress, bestselling author and beauty expert Victoria Principal; two-time Emmy Award-winning actress and animal activist Julia Barr (Brooke on All My Children); international couture legend Elizabeth Emanuel, best-known for creating Princess Diana’s wedding gown; Melissa Rivers, host of fashion events on TV Guide Channel and Fashion Police on E!, among other red carpet and reality programs; and Marina Draghici, Broadway, film and television Tony Award-winning (Fela!) costume designer and Hollywood stylist.
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 and this annual competition aim to send a message to fashion designers, retailers, and consumers that fur has no place in socially-conscious ethical fashion.”
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 by the judging panel from the top ten finalists. There will also be a “Green Award” and a “Student Award.”
Previous fffashion competition winners include designer Valerie Mayen, a competitor on the 2009 season of Project Runway.
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 the exploitation of animals in entertainment, as exotic “pets,” in trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation” — the vision of the UK-based Born Free Foundation (www.bornfree.org.uk) , 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; twitter http://twitter.com/bornfreeusa; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203/270-8929; rodicompany@earthlink.net