Competition challenges young people to Make their Mark in Fashion

Make Your Mark in Fashion has launched today, challenging young fashion designers to prove they've got the 'ethical factor' to create, make and sell fashion range.

The collection will be designed with one of nine sustainable fashion brands in mind, and each of these businesses-cum-mentors will select which team it would most like to work with.

The nine labels are Ciel, Enamore, From Somewhere, Junky Styling, Juste, Liv, Makepiece, Terra Plana and The Hemp Trading Company.

The nine teams selected will make the shortlist stage, and then the next stage is to persuade the entire group to put their team through to the final stage.

Only three teams will win the chance to work with their mentor - and produce a range in time for the grand final at London Fashion Week 2008.

Sustainability will need to be hemmed into every aspect of the collection, from creative design and manufacture through to retail.

Tamsin Lejeune of the Ethical Fashion Forum said: ‘There has never been a more inspiring time to start a fashion business in the UK. The new generation holds the key to achieving positive change by creating products that are stunning in terms of design and innovative in terms of sustainability.’

Interested teams will have until 31 January 2008 to submit their entry, guidelines and entry forms are available online.