Enka

World-wide leader in the manufacture of viscose thread. It is located in Germany and employs more than 2,000 people, with a European production of 25,000 tons of spun thread. It is a company that looks to the future, employing recyclable materials and modern techniques with complete respect for the environment. The raw material for Enka viscose is wood cellulose and through an elaborate production process it replicates the high quality of natural fiber. It is suitable for every kind of application in the textile industry, from fabrics to threads for knitwear and embroidery. Blended with other fibers such as polyamide and polyester, it acquires more body, adding volume and brilliance. An innovative and versatile material, it allows great creativity thanks to its range of wonderful colors and silky feel. Enka Sun is a thread perfected by Akzo Nobel, offering protection from damaging sun rays. Enka Moda also plays a role as a talent scout. Two years ago, in collaboration and with the sponsorship of the National Committee of Italian Fashion, an international research project called Enkamania was launched. It allows emerging young designers, selected by competition, to work with textiles and to use Enka viscose in their creations. Out of one hundred entrants, 21 are chosen as finalists, and 5 of them are offered the opportunity to present their first collection during Milano Collezioni Donna. At the end of the presentations, an award is given. In September 2002, the 5 finalists were Bless, Icarius, Ichiro Seta, Rohka, and Zac Posen. The jury was composed of Franca Sozzani (the president), Peter Lindbergh (a photographer), Jean-Paul Gaultier, Philip Treacy, Milla Yovovich, and Enrico Freidhof, with the participation of Donna Karan, Yamamoto, and Isabella Blow. The award, ex aequo, went to Ichiro Seta and Rohka.