The Met Gala is one of the most anticipated events in the fashion world, where celebrities, designers and influencers showcase their creativity and style on the red carpet. This year, the theme was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”, honoring the late designer who revolutionized some of the most iconic fashion houses, such as Chanel, Fendi and his own label. However, beyond paying tribute to Lagerfeld’s legacy, many of the attendees also made a statement about sustainability and environmental awareness, by choosing outfits that were ethically sourced, recycled or upcycled.
One of the most striking examples of sustainable fashion was the white-beige carpet that covered the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the gala took place. The carpet was made by a Kerala-based high-fashion brand called Malabar, which specializes in handloom fabrics made from natural fibers and organic dyes. The carpet was woven by local artisans using cotton and jute, and featured red and blue stripes that represented the colors of Lagerfeld’s native Germany. The carpet was also biodegradable and compostable, making it a zero-waste product.
Another notable display of eco-friendly fashion was by singer Billie Eilish, who wore a stunning peach-colored ball gown by Simone Rocha. The gown was made from recycled polyester fabric that was sourced from discarded plastic bottles. Eilish told Vogue that she wanted to show that “you can be whoever you want to be with sustainable fashion”. She also said that she was inspired by Lagerfeld’s love for feminine silhouettes and vintage glamour.
Some of the other celebrities who embraced sustainable fashion at the Met Gala 2023 were:
- Naomi Campbell, who wore a black sequined dress by Chanel Couture that was made from recycled plastic beads.
- Dua Lipa, who co-chaired the event and wore a silver corseted gown by Chanel Couture that featured recycled crystals and feathers.
- Florence Pugh, who wore a green floral dress by Valentino that was made from organic silk and embroidered with recycled sequins.
- Margot Robbie, who wore a white lace dress by Chanel that was from the 1993 collection and previously worn by supermodel Cindy Crawford.
- Priyanka Chopra, who wore a gold metallic dress by Ralph Lauren that was made from recycled plastic bottles and embellished with Swarovski crystals.
- Alia Bhatt, who wore a pink tulle gown by Rodarte that was made from organic cotton and silk.
The Met Gala 2023 not only celebrated Karl Lagerfeld’s genius and influence on fashion but also highlighted the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in the industry. By choosing outfits that were environmentally friendly, ethically made or reused, the attendees showed that fashion can be both beautiful and conscious.
