The red carpet had shades of “green” last night as many of the stars donned eco-friendly gowns and suits for their promenade into the theater. Encouraged by stylish and environmentally-conscious trendsetter Livia Firth, nominees and presenters alike stepped up to participate in her Green Carpet Challenge. Livia has vowed to only wear eco-friendly and responsibly-sourced fabrics to every red carpet event she attends and with an amazing actor as husband (that adorable Colin Firth!), that is quite a commitment.
For the 2012 Oscars, Livia donned a beautifully stunning Valentino couture dress that was both elegant and classic. She didn’t have to sacrifice her eco-friendly goals to wear a classic designer either. The gown was made out of recycled polyester that was gleaned from plastic bottles. How fun is it to think that the soda bottle you placed in the recycling bin last year may have made its way to the glamorous red carpet!
Other high-profile celebrities have joined LIvia’s Green Carpet challenge as well, including nominee Kenneth Branagh who chose a sustainable suit from Ermenegildo Zegna. Zegna’s sources his fabrics directly from their markets of origin and abides by many green practices including constructing patterns designed for efficient cutting to reduce fabric waste.
When Meryl Streep accepted her third Oscar last night for “The Iron Lady,” she did so wearing the first ever gown custom designed by Lanvin. The full-length gold gown was made from eco-certified fabric sourced with the help of the Green Carpet Challenge.
Another eco-friendly initiative aimed at the red carpet is Suzy Amis Cameron’s Red Carpet Green Dress that “brings
awareness to the fact that we can be kind to the planet and still wear something really gorgeous.” Along the same lines as Firth, Cameron’s program began when she realized how many red carpet events she attended with husband James Cameron.
This year, Missi Pyle from “The Artist” joined with Cameron to bring that awareness to the red carpet on a night when her film was celebrated and showered with honors. Pyle walked the red carpet in a stunning blue gown made with organic silk and lined with recycled polyester. Even more impressive is the fact that the soft blue color was achieved by dying the fabric with natural mineral pigments.
With celebrities taking the time to focus on eco-friendliness for their industry’s biggest night, perhaps the greater challenge for us now is to take that green carpet challenge and apply it to everyday life. Choose sustainable fabrics like the ones found in bamboo clothing and build yourself a fabulous wardrobe worthy of any star!
