Shimmering sequins, delicate beading, luxurious velvet – the red carpet is glitz, glamour and excess at its most indulgent. However, what we don’t see are the environmental costs of material production and waste from red carpet looks. Celebrity fashion has become a symbol of excess, but what are the unseen impacts on our planet? The Hollywood Reporter takes an in-depth look at the environmental cost of red carpet fashion.
1. Glitzy Gowns and Astonishing Apparel: Red Carpet Fashion
Ah, the glitz and glamour of the red carpet. Here, celebrities make their grand entrances, artists own the limelight, and fashion takes center stage! We can’t help but ogle at the sights of towering heels, luxurious fabrics, and enviable silhouettes. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the show-stopping ensembles that have stunned us this award season.
- Gowns: Evening gowns are an unmissable feature of a red carpet. This season, we’ve seen a variety of colors, textures, and hemlines that have spanned from floor sweeping designs to high-low skirts. Metallics, sequins, and beading has been a popular choice for gowns and it is no doubt these statement pieces that catches everyone’s eye.
- Accessories: Celebrities have also featured eye-catching accessories. Starlets have adorned themselves with statement headpieces, neckpieces, and earrings. Not one to go unnoticed, oversized rings, belts, and oversized clutches have also been a popular choice.
Overall, this award season has shown us a vast range of red carpet looks, with each celebrity having their own unique style. It is this level of fashion and individuality that captivates and fascinates us, keeping us excited to see who (and what) walks the red carpet next!
2. What Lurks Beneath the Sequins: The Environmental Cost of Red Carpet Attire
Kicking off the night in a glamorous ensemble is a highlight for many in the entertainment industry, and what’s a red carpet without some sparkling sequins? Unfortunately, these shiny garments have an added cost, one that is paid for by our environment.
The fabric used to make show-stopping, unforgettable dresses is often synthetic, filled with microplastics, and hence very damaging to aquatic life. Manufacturing sequins and rhinestones also generates hazardous waste, along with the dyes used in producing these fabrics.
The average red carpet dress and its fabric can take up to 1000 years to decompose, leaving a lasting stain on our environment. Such materials have become ubiquitous thanks to the ubiquity of mass production, causing further strain on our planet’s limited resources. To make matters worse, trace amounts of chemicals used in production can leech into the soil and water, leading to water and food contamination.
One positive that has come from the environmental downsides of red carpet attire is the emergence of sustainable fashion. As more designers turn to sustainable and ethical fashion, the greener option for making red carpet dresses is now more accessible than ever. Sustainable fashion options such as:
- Organic cotton fabric
- Recycled paper fabric
- Vegan leather
- Plant-based fabrics made from cellulose
have become increasingly popular among eco-friendly designers. Ultimately, adopting such sustainable ideas can have a positive effect on the fashion industry as a whole, allowing everyone to dress their best knowing their look doesn’t have to come at a cost to the environment.
3. Breaking Down the Resources: The Impact of Red Carpet Dressing
Cost of Red Carpet Dressing
It is of no secret that costumes on the Red Carpet come with a hefty price tag. Ever wonder how much it actually costs to dress a celebrity for an event? Depending on the event, designer clothes, jewellery, stylists, makeup artists and a host of other costs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars for a single outfit.
Environmental Impact of Red Carpet Dressing
Dressing celebrities for an event is nothing short of a resource-intensive process. It requires a lot of energy and resources just to bring an outfit to life. The resources used for fashion design, production and shipping are associated with high levels of waste, water pollution, and carbon emissions. Moreover, the majority of clothes that are worn on the Red Carpet are usually one-time wears, making them non-recyclable and therefore contributing to excess amounts of landfill waste.
4. Keeping it Sustainable: Solutions for a Brighter Future for Red Carpet Style
As the fashion industry moves towards greater sustainability, it’s time for the red carpet to join in and champion for a brighter, more responsible future in style. Lavish parties, decadent gowns, and designer duds have their own distinct glamour, but green-friendly apparel presents a fresh opportunity. Here are just a few shining ways we can make the red carpet a more sustainable place.
Look to Reusable Fabrics
- Donating and upcycling materials is one way to keep fabrics in circulation.
- Swapping out fabrics and textiles for recycled materials is another.
- Natural fabrics like Hemp and Organic Cotton are perfect alternatives to synthetic fabrics.
Lease Instead of Buy
- Renting an ensemble for a one-time wear is a thrifty, eco-friendly option.
- Cheap, disposable clothes can be hazardous to the environment.
- Leasing or splurging for a quality piece that can be worn again is a great way to stay glamorous and responsible.
As the fashion industry continues to search for ways to reduce its impact on our planet, the issue of red carpet fashion and its impact on the environment shouldn’t be forgotten. As stars and fans alike wear their most glamorous clothing to the Oscars each year, let us also keep in mind the huge environmental cost that such fashion choices bring, and strive to promote more sustainable and responsible practices in our own lives.
