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In combination with reader voting, our panel of eco-esteemed judges will also act behind the scenes, selecting the ultimate grand prize winner. But the big cheeses weren’t picked randomly. They were chosen for their eco-fashionista expertise, their perfectionist designer eyes and their knack for creating social change. All in all what we think is the perfect blend of knowledge and passion needed to select the winning T-shirt design.
It also just so happens that their laundry list of change making accomplishments provide a nice dose of inspiration as well.
Ladies and gentleman, we bring you the crème of the crop when it comes to green fashion…Our excellent Eco T-Shirt Design Challenge judges:
About the Judges
Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver and Founder of TOMS Shoes
Before his thirty-second birthday, Blake Mycoskie was honored by the Smithsonian and brunched with the First Lady. The reason for the accolades is as impressive as the accolades themselves: a progressive business that shook convention. Early on, Blake changed need into opportunity. By age thirty, Blake had already started five successful businesses. His experience, coupled with unique circumstances, would change the world. While vacationing in 2006, Blake befriended children in Argentina who had no shoes. To help, he created TOMS: Shoes for a Better Tomorrow. For every pair purchased, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. Later that year, TOMS returned to Argentina to hand-deliver 10,000 pairs of shoes. For Tomorrow: The TOMS Shoes Story, the documentary about the Shoe Drop, premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. Since its beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given over 140,000 pairs of shoes to children in need through the purchases of caring customers. Because of customer support, TOMS plans to give over 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world in 2009. When not acting as “Chief Shoe Giver,”Blake spends as much time as possible in nature. From driving across the US to visit every TOMS retailer to his most recent exploration through Patagonia, the only thing that rejuvenates Blake like giving is being outdoors.
Miranda Purves, Lifestyle Editor, ELLE
Miranda Purves was hired at ELLE in 2003. The Berkeley native was instrumental in the development of ELLE’s Green and Blue issues, which are leading the way for sustainable living in the fashion and beauty industries. She is a true advocate for the environment both outside of work, and within the pages of ELLE where, in the magazine's Living section, she champions people who exemplify the possibility of a beautiful and meaningful life from the food they make, to the way they entertain, travel, and decorate.
Summer Rayne Oakes, Eco-Model
Summer Rayne Oakes is an eco-fashion model, environmentalist, spokesperson, and author. A Cornell University graduate and Udall environmental scholar, Summer is an on-air correspondent and advisor for Discovery's Planet Green; author of Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion & Beauty published by Chronicle Books, she is one of the leading trend-forecasters and experts on sustainable fashion and beauty; the face of Payless ShoeSource’s new eco-friendly shoe line “zoe & zac”; she works in partnership with the Mezimbite Forest Centre in Mozambique on sustainable development, design/personal care, and forest restoration programs; and takes an active role in the youth climate change/green jobs movement with groups like Energy Action. Through her work as a consultant Summer Rayne advises companies and organizations, and works on sustainable development and environmental programs in the U.S. and abroad.
Miguel Adrover, Creative Director of hessnatur
CFDA winner Miguel Adrover is more than a talented and world-renowned fashion designer. He views fashion as a medium for social messages. His masterful tailoring as well as his unique vision captured the attention of the fashion press as well as the most important stores in New York, London and Paris, and his work is exhibited at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
