ALL MY CHILDREN's Julia BarrTo Judge Born Free USA’s Fourth Annual Fashion Competition for Eco-Friendly Designers

Independent fashion designers are invited to enter their fur free fashions in the fourth annual Born Free USA fffashion Competition for a chance to win prizes; significantly boost their fashion career; be featured in a national magazine; and help promote the ethical and environmental benefits of fur free fashion.

Entrants will have the chance to have their submissions judged by an expert panel including: two-time Emmy Award winning actress and animal activist Julia Barr (Brooke, ALL MY CHILDREN); actress, bestselling author and beauty expert Victoria Principal (Pam, DALLAS); international couture legend Elizabeth Emanuel best-known for creating Princess Diana’s wedding gown; Melissa Rivers, host of fashion events on TV Guide Channel and FASHION POLICE on E!, among other red carpet and reality programs; and Marina Draghici, Broadway, film and television Tony Award-winning (Fela!) costume designer and Hollywood stylist.

According to Adam Roberts, Executive Vice President of Born Free USA, “We are so happy that Julia agreed to be a judge for the second year in a row for this important competition. She truly believes in the protection of wildlife and of all animals. We have great respect for her, and we appreciate having her as a Born Free USA supporter and a judge for fffashion.”

Previous fffashion competition winners include designer Valerie Mayen, a competitor on the 2009 season of PROJECT RUNWAY.

According to Monica Engebretson, Senior Program Associate at Born Free USA, who oversees the competition, “This is an extraordinary opportunity for emerging fashion designers to gain exposure in the industry and showcase their talent, while promoting compassionate eco-savvy designs. Born Free’s fffashion campaign and this annual competition aim to send a message to fashion designers, retailers, and consumers that fur has no place in socially-conscious ethical fashion.”

To compete in 2012, designers must create a fur-free woman’s or man’s coat, shirt, pants, dress, skirt or suit. For details, rules, and to enter the competition, go to www.bornfreeusa.org/fffashion. Deadline for entries is April 15, 2012. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, selected from the top ten finalists. There will also be a “Green Award” and a “Student Award.”

Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation” -- the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers, now CEO of both organizations. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at: www.bornfreeusa.org; twitter http://twitter.com/bornfreeusa; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.