Celebrity power is not new – they have always been seen as trend setters in fashion, food and lifestyle choices. Nowadays, however, an increasing number of stars have put themselves out there as powerful advocates for sustainability and ethical fashion. Here, we explore how celebrities are using their influence to influence consumers towards green decisions and ethical fashion.
1. How Celebrities are Influencing Sustainable Fashion
Fashion has become one of the most influential industries due to its influence on our daily life. As celebrities become more aware of their own influence, they have found ways to use their power to shift consumer trends towards sustainable fashion.
Celebrities As Activists: Some celebrities are now taking a holistic approach to sustainability by championing brands and voicing their opinions on topics relating to climate change, repurposing clothing, and buying sustainable fabrics. For example, Emma Watson has launched the sustainable fashion line called 4W–which stands for “the power of women working together”–in partnership with sustainable fashion brands. Similarly, the Kardashian-Jenner family has also promoted numerous sustainable fashion initiatives, such as sitting front row at Vivienne Westwood’s London show to showcase her brand’s ethical and sustainable production.
Celebrity-Driven Brands: In recent years, the trend of celebrity-founded, sustainable-driven brands has increased. A notable example is Meghan Markle’s brand, Smart Works. The clothing line provides interview-appropriate clothing for women in need, with every item purchased resulting in one piece of clothing donated to a woman entering the workforce. Additionally, Mia Kostova is another celebrity who works with bespoke brands to curate a collection of sustainable clothing. Her collection of 100% sustainable design boasts eco-friendly fabrics, upcycled materials, and conscious craftsmanship.
High-End Brands: High-end labels such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Hermes are tackling sustainability with more creative and innovative ways. For example, Prada’s Re-Nylon collection uses recycled plastic to create items, while Hermes’ ‘robe lin zero waste’ pieces have 94% fewer chemical components and are made with 100% natural materials.
Partnerships: Finally, celebrities are partnering with eco-friendly brands to create more sustainable clothing lines. For example, Livia Firth and Gucci have paired up to create the Eco-Age line which is made from ethical production and sustainably-sourced materials, and Camila Cabello and Levi’s created the Levi’s x CLC line using 80% recycled cotton, made entirely without water.
- Celebrities As Activists – commenting on topics and launching lines
- Celebrity-driven Brands – Smart Works and Mia Kostova
- High-end Brands – Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermes
- Partnerships – Livia Firth/Gucci, Camila Cabello/Levi’s
The use of celebrity power to bring attention to sustainable fashion is making a striking impact across the fashion industry. It has opened the door for new sustainable initiatives, inspiring consumers and companies alike to look for ways to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. As celebrities continue to team up with activists and brands to promote sustainable fashion, it is clear that the industry is actively working towards a more ethical and sustainable future.
2. Following Fashion Trends with an Eco-Friendly Mindset
Fashion trends come and go, which means it can be difficult to be sustainable. However, you can still accessorize in style and keep up with seasonal fashion with an eco-friendly mindset. Here are three tips for helping you stay fashionable while still being conscious of conservation:
- Shop secondhand: Don’t be afraid to shop for pre-loved clothing—you’ll be surprised at the quality and selection. By shopping in consignment stores or thrift stores, you’ll avoid contributing to the environmental waste and water pollution caused by the fast fashion industry.
- Look for sustainable fabrics: Sustainable fabrics are fabrics made from either recycled material or materials that are biodegradable. A few popular sustainable fabrics you might come across are bamboo, linen, and organic cotton. Be sure to look for the eco-friendly label when shopping for new items.
- Check for ethical practices: If you prefer to shop from specific retailers, choose those that have dedicated themselves to ethical production. Parts of the fashion-producing process, such as dyeing clothes, often pollutes water sources. Avoid contributing to this by looking for labels that are committed to ethical water use and conservation efforts.
Step up your style game and follow the latest fashion trends with an eco-friendly strategy. You can make small changes in the way you shop that can have a big impact on the environment. When you do shop, look out for sustainable fabrics, such as hemp, natural materials, and eco-friendly dyes. Also, remember to keep your style sustainable by shopping secondhand or opting for ethical brands.
Living a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to mean giving up fashion. Try and be conscious of not only your purchasing decisions but also how you maintain your clothes. Use cold water instead of hot to wash your clothes, use natural detergents, and opt for air-drying instead of using dryers.
By following these few tips and making mindful decisions, you can be part of the global effort to reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry and keep up with the trends at the same time.
3. Supporting Sustainable Brands: Big-Name Celebrities Making a Difference
Today’s top celebrities are using their influence to make a difference in the planet. It’s not enough anymore to just be an actor, singer or an athlete; celebrities are also expected to use their public platform to bring awareness to topical issues like sustainable living. From supporting renewable energy to chemical-free beauty products, here are 3 big-name celebrities that are doing their part to help provide a sustainable future for the planet and its inhabitants.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio
- He is a founding member of the iconic organization ‘Earth Day Initiative’.
- DiCaprio has been using his platform to advocate for sustainable living for over a decade.
- He is very vocal about making the switch towards renewable energies and has been an investor in companies that are producing biofuels.
He has also spoken out against deforestation and raised awareness about the dangerous effects of climate change.
2. Cameron Diaz
The actress is a long-time advocate of environmentalism, having started a green lifestyle blog, “Thegreengirls.com”. Cameron is an active supporter of the Chanel No. 5 Eco-Drive Campaign. She stresses the importance of going green and living a waste-free life.
- She advocates for the recycling and reusing of materials, buying organic food and finding alternative energy sources.
- Diaz is also an ambassador for Baby2Baby, an organization that provides basic necessities to disadvantaged families.
3. Brad Pitt
- Pitt is a UN Goodwill Ambassador and has been actively involved with the stories of the victims of war, famine and conflict.
- He is a supporter of organic farming and a shareholder for Renewable Choice Energy.
- The actor has promised to make his own home energy-efficient and recently contributed to a campaign to stop deforestation.
He is also a member of the Global Cool Foundation, a charitable organization that focuses on lowering global emissions and increasing public awareness about climate change.
4. How You Can Make a Sustainable Statement With Your Style
1. Shop second-hand for unique pieces – Shopping pre-owned and vintage clothing is a simple way to support a sustainable fashion lifestyle. Not only are you recycling fashion, you’re also able to find unique pieces that wouldn’t be seen at your local mall. Get searching in your area’s charity shops, thrift stores, car boots and online- Second-hand is the new chic!
2. Invest in classics – Instead of perpetually buying the latest fashion trend, why not invest in clothing items that won’t go out of fashion? Think timeless and quality pieces to invest your money in. This will mean you’re likely to save money in the long run, wear them over and over again, and are effectively making an environmental statement.
3. Support local makers – Seek out clothing and accessories that are handmade locally. It is a great way to support a sustainable brand- you’ll be helping the environment, your local economy, and you’ll probably get a one-of-a-kind item. With so many independent makers offering made-to-order or custom items online, you can easily create your own statement piece!
4. Repair and upcycle instead of replacing – Before you go and buy something new, have you considered ways that you can repair or upcycle the items that you already own? It may sound like hard work but it actually can be fun and will give your wardrobe a unique twist. For example, why not repurpose an old pair of jeans into shorts, a skirt, a waist-coat or a bag?
5. Educate yourself – Read up on fashion news, green offerings, and look into independent and large-scale fashion brands to find out which ones are most sustainably minded. It is important to be an informed consumer, and what you find out may surprise you. Plus, it’s a great way to discover new brands for even more sustainable shopping.
It’s clear that celebrities are playing a huge role in driving the ethical fashion movement. They’re setting a bold example and inspiring others to not only think more consciously about fashion, but to take real action. Let’s use this opportunity to build a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.
