The Ethical Fashion Forum’s  (EFF) mission is to promote a sustainable future for fashion.  As a not-for-profit organization, it is funded through three membership levels, each  providing tools for  successfully creating and maintaining an ethical fashion business.

In its 7th season, Innovation is an awards program aimed at supporting emerging talent that is both innovative and ethically centered.  For the first time ever, EFF opened the competition to designers in the United States.  With Innovation USA 2011, four American designers were recognized and will have the opportunity to show their lines on the runway at Nolcha Fashion Week which runs concurrently with Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City, September 8th – 13th, 2011.  This year’s winners in the inaugural Innovation USA award are:

AFIA – by incorporating Ghana’s textiles with American style, this designer opens up new opportunities for these artisans and their beautiful crafts.  Fabrics are purchased from small vendors and Ghana seamstresses are paid a living wage for their work.

What a great idea!

Carrie Parry – this line is produced in New York’s garment district of sustainable materials purchased worldwide.  The clothing is timeless, thus consumers may return to investment spending for clothes that will remain fashionable for seasons to come.  Plus, consumers may feel good about supporting jobs in the ever-shrinking garment district of NYC.

Soham Dave – with this exciting brand, Soham Dave has created a contemporary line of clothing and accessories around artisans from India who practice traditional, eco-friendly production techniques coupled with fair trade practices.  Through his respect for Indian culture, he has found a way to provide these artisans with a broader outlet for their creations while providing the consumer with amazingly beautiful products. Ajrak by Soham Dave

Ethos – this is the fourth brand listed.  The niche for this brand is sustainability in luxury garments.  It appears to be a UK brand that has opened in the United States; I am a little unclear on this as the website is a UK site that is Coming Soon.  You may find some information about this line on Twitter – @EthosTweets.  Or if any of my readers can shed some additional light on this brand, it will be appreciated.

EFF also posts an Innovation USA 2011 Shortlist which includes an additional six American designers that you will want to check out as well.

Let us know what you think after learning more about EFF and these exciting designers who are focused on a sustainable future for the fashion industry.

Until next time…