Major congratulations and "green" thumbs up to the winners of the Eco Challenge Award, presented by the CFDA and Lexus. Maria Cornejo, Monique Péan and Costello Tagliapietra were the top three designers chosen from ten finalists, whose prizes will include sponsorship from Lexus for their Fall 2011 collections as well as a $25,000 cash award.
Monique Péan's gorgeous jewelry collection, often featuring eco-friendly, natural and sustainable materials has been making waves of late—her first presentation at Lincoln Center this fall, featuring a collection of island-inspired accessories and baubles was a major hit—while duo Costello Tagliapietra reliably turn out sexy and effortless, fuss-free womenswear in often diaphonous, sheer fabrics.
Maria Cornejo, known for her streamlined, minimalist collections says she's been "working to find an alternative route to sustainability that is still attractive to consumers," with a specific focus on "making clothes that have been 'touched' by a person instead of being mass produced."
