New York, NY., (June 8, 2011) – Nolcha, an award-winning global platform advancing the business of independent fashion, today announced a partnership with Ethical Fashion Forum, UK based movement dedicated to a sustainable future for fashion, launching the INNOVATION USA Award for new talent in fashion design and sustainability.

The competition seeks out and celebrates inspirational fashion design that benefits people and the environment by creating substantial impact. INNOVATION USA aims to inspire and motivate the new generation of design leaders to integrate sustainability at the core of what they do, and influence the industry overall, by shifting attention to a triple bottom line where all the stakeholders - people, nature, corporation- win.

INNOVATION Award is a high-profile award originated from UK, and has gained the support of multiple key figures from the fashion industry including Vogue.com Editor, Dolly Jones. Past INNOVATION Winners boast contracts from prestigious retailers including Topshop, Liberty's, Browns, yoox.com, amongst others.

Applications are accepted until June 17th and available at www.ethicalfashionforum.com/innovation. Winners will be rewarded with an exhibition at Nolcha Fashion Week: New York in September 2011, the leading independent fashion show in NY, where they will have the chance to connect with the key buyers, media and an increasingly aware and eco-driven fashion audience of 3000 visitors. In addition the winner will receive one year in Bel Esprit Showroom plus a dedicated email to 1500 ethical conscious retailers and decision makers.

The judging committee features Adriana Herrera, Founder, Fashioning Change; Debora Pokallus, CEO, Bel Esprit; Kelly Ramirez, Executive Director, Social Venture Partners Rhode Island; Kerry Bannigan, CEO, Nolcha; Jamila Payne, Director, National Association of Sustainable Fashion Designers and Marina Lefkaritis, Marketing Manager, Harrod’s Personal Shopping experience.

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Ethical Fashion Forum serve the vision to empower consumers to "vote with their dollar" and choose clothes that are made from ecological and biodegradable materials and co-ops, artisans and manufacturers that comply with the fair trade standards, thus ensuring the garment workers around the world lead a happy and sustainable livelihood whilst securing a safe shelter, clean water and education for themselves and their families, as well as cherishing the environment. www.ethicalfashionforum.com 

Nolcha is an award-winning leading global platform advancing the business of independent fashion designers and retailers via social e-commerce, New York and London fashion week events and an educational video portal. The company has a strong brand presence with its unique platform and receives positive recognition from world-renowned media outlets such as CBS, Forbes, NBC, ABC, Fox News, Smart money TV, and BBC.  Nolcha is sponsored by globally renowned companies including Coca-Cola, Paul Mitchell, Aveda, American Airlines, Ask.co.uk, Macy’s, Escada Perfumes and Procter & Gamble. www.nolcha.com 

CONTACTS:

Kerry Bannigan | Nolcha | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Anna Amiradaki | Ethical Fashion Forum | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it