2nd ANNUAL CFDA/LEXUS ECO-FASHION CHALLENGE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) 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 MILK Studios 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: Marcia Patmos from New York, NY; John Bartlett from New York, NY; and Johnson Hartig of Libertine from Los Angeles, Calif.
All submitted proposals for a clothing or accessory line that demonstrated a commitment to ecologically responsible design. The contest required that a minimum of 25 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.”
“There is a movement within the fashion industry to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing lines and accessories,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO. “This competition allows us to highlight designers and their creative approaches to sustainability and in some ways become thought-leaders in the industry.”
The winners will each receive $25,000 to bring their collection to life and produce a fashion show during the February 2012 Fashion Week in New York. The proposals were selected by a panel of judges from the CFDA, Loomstate, Marie Claire 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.
Last night john and re-watched the final episode of Six Feet Under...Wow, i wasnt prepared for the outpouring of emotion i experienced from watching this...I remember being moved but i was totally blown away this time around.
Such an incredible ending to a groundbreaking series.
if you get a chance try to see it..we are only here for a short time on this planet.
First glance and fun day working on Fall 2012(already..and i am probably late!)
One of my favorite things about working in fashion is the beginning of a season where there are no limits and you get to start all over again. It is a blessing and a curse as it is also being able to think about what you are going to want to see and wear a year from now..
Apart from being a genuinely lovely guy, John Bartlett is an extremely talented designer and dedicated supporter of the North Shore Animal League. Bartlett launched his label in 1992 and his success earned him two CFDA awards and a Perry Ellis Men's Wear award. He then expanded into womenswear in 1997 using luxurious Italian fabrics echoing other American designers like Halston and Bill Blass with the use of clinging jersey dresses and sharp tailored jackets. In 2000, Bartlett dropped out of the fashion business for a short time, making a comeback in 2003 with a small collection of menswear, which he showed at the Harvard Club. Bartlett opened his first store in New York's West Village in 2007 and in 2008 he was appointed Liz Claiborne's Creative Director for their men's sportswear line. Bartlett continues to grow his signature menswear line and recently entered the e-commerce arena.
Q1. What was the first record that you bought and how did it change your life?
The first album I bought as a youth was BAD COMPANY and I think it was around 1973...I played it over and over again on my plastic record player in the basement. This was the first rock album I had and some of the songs are still on my favorite playlist on my iPod. This music changed my life in that I quickly started to listen to Led, Tull, and Fleetwood Mac. I thought I was totally groovy in my flared cords and David Cassidy haircut.
Q2. You are a big supporter of the North Shore Animal League. How did you get involved?
When I turned 40 I visited the North Shore Animal League looking for a rescue and I met my sweet boy Tiny Tim, who was a tripod. He had lost his leg in a car accident and rescued from another shelter where euthanasia is common and brought to North Shore. His leg was amputated on Xmas Eve and therefore he earned the name Tiny Tim after the Dicken's character. when I opened my store Tim became my unofficial logo and now I have launched a complete online collection with his image to help raise money for rescue dogs everywhere. Please check it out at www.johnbartlettny.com. I have done several adoption events at my store with North Shore and I am now starting a Tiny Tim rescue fund to help raise money for independent rescue groups who are pulling from the high risk municipal shelters. Q3. You recently announced that you've become vegan and will no longer use leather in your collections. Would you agree that it is relatively easy for all designers to find credible, aesthetically pleasing alternatives to leather and fur and more of us should follow in the footsteps of designers like yourself and Stella McCartney?
I feel that the fashion community is caught up in the illusion of "luxury" and many designers feel the need to use fur and leather to speak to a more expensive customer. If you look at Stella's work, the quality is incredible and she is able to create high fashion without contributing to the suffering of animals. I chose to become vegan after the incredibly upsetting return of fur on many runways. I could not understand the disconnect and why people who say they love animals work in fur especially. I started to speak out against the fur industry and wanted to be very clear about my stance, so I discontinued using leather. I am not completely convinced about fake fur as it promotes the look of fur and may send the wrong message. I do think that faux leather shoes and belts are important especially for professional men and women who may not be able to wear canvas gym shoes to work. My feeling is that it is time for the fashion community to recognize their responsibility on a global level. Fur and leather manufacturing is very damaging to the environment and I applaud anyone in fashion who is seeking alternatives that better serve the animals, the earth and our industry's progress. Q4. Online media and e-commerce have changed the way we receive information and shop. What in your opinion are the pros and cons of the online world?
I just launched my own online store as I mentioned above and I am blown away at the ease with which I can maintain it. I do feel that many people are drawn to the web and prefer shopping from home. I am excited by the future of online shopping as well as the future of social media and its effect on internet shopping and communication. Q5. You often say that at Harvard you studied night clubbing whilst at Harvard. Can you share a fun 80's nightclubbing story?
Gosh, I don't have any particular story per se...while most of my fellow students were studying I gathered a great deal of my education from being out in the nightclub world. As a sociology major I realize now that the combination of my sociology background and being out in boston at the clubs was a great preparation for a career in fashion. One of my favorite clubs was called SPIT and on tuesday night it was a very cool mixed crowd new wave night. I liked to wear a mailbag as a skirt and lots of brooches and salvation army clothes...such a blast.
look at these gorgeous girls. apparently they became best mates and cage mates in a shelter in l.a. my friend zizi asked if anyone could help donate to getting them out before they didnt have anymore time. and although the tiny tim rescue fund is not up and running officially(still waiting for our non-profit status) i forwarded some money to help get these sweet angels out.
Jennifer Rosen Bullies and Buddies Rescue Dedicated to rescuing,rehabilitating, and re-homing Bullies and their other Buddy Breeds Help me save a life by sharing with Facebook friends. bulliesandbuddies@gmail 310.462.8480
