By Anugraha Hadke:
Celebrities are often known to make bold statements with their choice of outfits at public events. Remember Lady Gaga and the dress made of raw beef that she wore for the MTV Awards?
The Met Gala, the annual fundraising event of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York, is one of the most popular events where celebrities try their best to make with their attires stand out. The clothes have been given so much importance that it wasn’t until I started writing this article that I found out what exactly the Gala is about.
This year, like any other, many celebrities took a bold stand with their clothes. Like Claire Danes with her glow-in-the-dark gown, or Beyoncé adorning a latex gown.
But one of the most crucial statement was made by Emma Watson when she arrived in a dress that is completely environment-friendly.
Made by Calvin Klein and Eco Age, the yarn used to weave the fabrics of the dress was made with recycled plastic.
Plastic is one of the largest contributors to global garbage. Close to 300 million tons is manufactured each year, and about 8 million tons is dumped into the ocean annually. It is literally choking the life out of our water bodies, with thousands of marine animals being killed almost daily.
At a time like this, it is heartening to know that attempts to recycle and reprocess plastic is being made in the fashion industry. In 2014, singer Pharrell Williams launched a denim line made from recycled plastic bottles that were collected from the bottom of the ocean.
In India as well, there are many designers who are introducing eco-friendly clothing lines which are made of organic fabric, upcycled material, as well as fabric waste. Many are also working to revive dying handicrafts.
Watson’s dress was also made to be completely sustainable. She proudly gave out details on her dress through a Facebook post saying:
“Each and every part of this beautiful gown has been produced with sustainability in mind, even the components that you can’t see. The zippers on the gown are made from recycled materials and the inner bustier has been crafted from organic cotton. The organic silk used in the lining of my gown is certified to a standard that guarantees the highest environmental and social standards throughout production. It is my intention to repurpose elements of the gown for future use. The trousers can be worn on their own, as can the bustier, the train can be used for a future red carpet look.”
While the advantages and disadvantages of using recycled plastic clothing are still being contemplated, it is good to know that positive efforts to protect the environment are being made by eminent personalities.
Here’s hoping Emma Watson continues to do inspiring things like this in the future as well!