Julia Smith vest available from thenaturalstore.co.uk £24

The Ethical Fashion Forum will be building on its support for new fashion designers with the launch of a major competition, supported by the London Development Agency.

Innovation is an initiative set up by the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) aimed at showcasing and creating marketing opportunities for emerging designers and businesses in the ethical fashion arena. Some of the most talented design graduates are now considering people and the environment when they create their collections. This competition will encourage more designers to follow suit.

Erin O’Connor, Model and EFF Innovation Supporter said ‘Designers and businesses are chosen on the basis of outstanding design and product standards, as well as innovation in relation to social and environmental sustainability.’

The entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts including, Anna Orsini (The British Fashion Council), Yasmin Sewell (Liberty of London) and Dr Francis Corner (The London College of Fashion).

INNOVATION is a great opportunity for new and emerging fashion designers and businesses who are committed to great design and to a sustainable and ethical industry. It will showcase their work, give them business support and generally assist the cause of creating a totally sustainable fashion industry.
Dr Francis Corner, London College of Fashion

Winners of INNOVATION will receive business support from industry experts and be given the opportunity to showcase their collections at two of London’s premium fashion
trade shows, London Fashion Week and PURE.

Past winners of the EFF INNOVATION include: Sika Designs, Christopher Raeburn, Julia Smith & MIA.

Entrants have until 29 June to get in their collections or key pieces. Enter the competition here.