Sustainable fashion has been a buzzword in recent times. Here again, the effort made by some environment-conscious celebrities is commendable. Celebrities and influential personalities like Emma Watson, Stella McCartney, Christy Turlington Burns, Rosario Dawson, and Shailene Woodley deserve our attention for championing the cause of sustainability.
At a time when fast fashion is the goal, sustainable fashion can prove to be a healthy alternative. There is sufficient research to highlight how fast fashion is gnawing at the very root of our nature and destroying it at its core. The harmful chemicals used in cloth dying, the wastage of water and the exploitation of labor are serious causes of concern. By discarding fast fashion and promoting sustainable fashion, these celebrities are proving their commitment to the cause of Planet Earth and making people responsible for their consumption choices. Let’s take a look at the initiatives undertaken by these icons –
Emma Watson
Emma Watson needs no introduction. Her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the phenomenal Harry Potter series has etched our childhood memory. Besides being a feminist icon, she has now taken up the cause of sustainable fashion. The global icon’s influential personality is enough to garner considerable attention to the cause. She has adopted ratings provided by Good on You as the benchmark for sustainable and ethical fashion choices. Now, what’s that? Good on You is an initiative by a group of campaigners, sustainability experts, business professionals and technology experts who developed an app that relies on the power of consumer choices to bring about a more sustainable future.
Good on You is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, tries to ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns, and has come up with an authentic, trustworthy brand rating system that helps consumers make responsible choices regarding their favorite brands. It has rated around 6000 beauty and fashion brands. Good on You take into consideration the brand’s compliance with labor rights, disposal, use of chemicals, carbon emission rate, and water consumption, among others, to come up with its ratings.
Today I'm a red-striking ninja book-fairy out to spread some wise women's words @the_bookfairies #IWDOurSharedShelf #IWD #adaywithoutawoman pic.twitter.com/sOBhrHremg
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) March 8, 2017Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney has been known for her dedication to the cause of promoting sustainability in fashion. Her SS24 collection exemplifies her dedication. SS24 collection, her most sustainable fashion to date, features Cara Delevingne, who is also known for her eco-friendly credentials. The SS24 campaign garnered attention also because of where it was shot. The collection was featured at a Veolia recycling plant located in South London. The unusual location served another function as it showed beautiful fashion products can be found from waste if one has the eyes for it.
Christy Turlington Burns
Christy Turlington Burns is an American supermodel who has also been the founder of Every Mother Counts, an initiative founded in 2010 that ensures safe and equitable maternity care for every woman. She is also noted for her sustainable fashion choices and lives up to her commitment. She has stressed reusing and recycling to attain a sustainable future and worked with brands that shared her vision. Therefore, when she was featured as an Ambassador of H&M’s Conscious Collection in 2018, it was no surprise. In addition to that, she has been the face of the Sustainable Spring Collection by J BRAND. The denim campaign was committed to reducing waste and lessening 90% of water consumption.
I was so happy to participate in @Bloomingdales 59th Street story for their ❤️ of NYC campaign #Bloomingdales pic.twitter.com/XXnFPp8jij
— Christy Turlington Burns (@CTurlington) April 27, 2018Rosario Dawson
Rosario Dawson, who earned praise for the portrayal of Ahsoka Tano in the 2023 hit Star Wars Disney+ series Ahsoka, won an Emmy and is a huge champion of sustainable fashion. Her contribution to the field of sustainability is noticeable in her endeavor to co-found a brand named Studio 189 with Abrima Erwiah. Now, why is this remarkable? This is because Studio 189 is a fashion lifestyle brand that works closely with artisans and functions more like a social enterprise. Launched in 2013, the brand is based in Africa and produces African and African-inspired content and clothing.
This focus on the promotion of traditional African crafts is not only a testament to the brand’s commitment to the local artisans, but its use of upcycled and repaired materials in its production proves its dedication to the cause of sustainable fashion. The brand also relies on regenerative farming to reduce its environmental footprint.
CHI HA FATTO I MIEI VESTITI?#FASHREV #WhoMadeMyClothes? #FashionRevolution pic.twitter.com/S0CRx35rJl
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) April 18, 2016Shailene Woodley
Shailene Woodley is known for her roles in films like Killer Heat (2024), Last Letter from Your Lover (2021), Robots (2023), Misanthrope (2023), The Fallout (2022), The Fault in Our Stars (2014), among others. In addition to her captivating performance, what caught our attention was her activism for the cause of sustainability. She has been criticized for her activism and has been branded as a tree-hugging hippie by her peers in Hollywood. She was arrested for her involvement in a protest targeting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota in 2017. Her commitment to sustainable fashion is notable in her preference for second-hand clothes.
She not only uses second hand clothes herself but promotes their use among fans. She is proud of her achievement as she seems successful in inspiring the change that she wants to become. It has been observed that many of her Hollywood peers who used to criticize her have now adopted certain lifestyle changes themselves. This has even inspired Woodley to stick to her goal.
FAQ
1. Who are some of the biggest celebrity advocates for sustainable fashion?
Some of the most influential celebrities championing sustainable fashion include Emma Watson, Stella McCartney, Christy Turlington Burns, Rosario Dawson, and Shailene Woodley. These individuals are using their platforms to promote eco-friendly practices and encourage conscious consumerism.
2. What is the significance of Good on You in the context of sustainable fashion?
Good on You is an app and rating system that empowers consumers to make informed choices about the sustainability and ethical practices of fashion brands. It assesses brands based on factors like labor rights, environmental impact, and animal welfare. By using this tool, consumers can support brands that align with their values and contribute to a more sustainable future.
3. How is Stella McCartney contributing to the sustainable fashion movement?
Stella McCartney is a renowned designer who has consistently prioritized sustainability in her collections. Her SS24 collection is a prime example of her commitment to eco-friendly practices, featuring sustainable materials and ethical production methods. By showcasing her designs in unconventional settings like recycling plants, she highlights the potential for fashion to be both stylish and sustainable.
4. What is the unique approach of Rosario Dawson’s brand, Studio 189?
Studio 189 is a fashion lifestyle brand that combines African heritage with sustainable practices. It collaborates with local artisans, uses upcycled materials, and supports regenerative farming. By prioritizing ethical production and social impact, Studio 189 offers a compelling alternative to traditional fast fashion.
5. How has Shailene Woodley influenced the sustainable fashion movement?
Shailene Woodley is known for her outspoken activism and commitment to sustainable living. She promotes second-hand clothing and encourages her fans to make conscious choices. Her influence has inspired many in Hollywood to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, demonstrating the power of individual action.
