How can we make sustainable fashion more culturally and politically relevant? Fashion’s environmental and social impact often gets overlooked by the climate movement and by governments, though this is slowly starting to change.
Similarly, the conversations around sustainable fashion don’t often feel aligned with mainstream media and culture. But there is a massive opportunity to harness the power of mass media and celebrities or artistic talent, to drive change in the industry.
In this episode, Stella interviews Samata Pattinson, CEO of RCGD Global — formerly Red Carpet Green Dress — to explore how we can drive the sustainable fashion conversation forward and expand it to wider audiences.
Samata also shares how she brought in fashion to decision-making spaces at COP27, what role celebrities play in the sustainable fashion movement, and more
I found this conversation super inspiring, and it was a reminder that each of us, every single one of us — belongs in this movement, and has a unique place here.
P.S. If you’re searching for where you might fit in in the movement through your career, I’d definitely recommend checking out our free ebook on Conscious Fashion Collective on 101 Careers in Sustainable Fashion.
About Samata Pattinson
Samata Pattinson (@iam_samata) is a British-born Ghanaian entrepreneur working in the field of sustainability, across design, media and entertainment. She is a cultural sustainability activist, published author (THE TRIBETM Empowerment Journal, The Fashion Designer’s Resource Book – Bloomsbury Publishing), producer (Designing Change) and writer (The Guardian, VOGUE, Huffington Post).
As CEO of Suzy Amis Cameron’s RCGD Global, Samata has been bringing sustainability to the forefront of sustainability in conversation and action within the global apparel industry – collaborating and connecting with creatives from Ghana and Nigeria, across to Italy and New Zealand. Working with established brands such as Louis Vuitton, Armani, and Vivienne Westwood, alongside small independent designers such as Ghanaian-born Michael Badger, the campaign celebrated its 10th year of activism in 2019. Most recently Samata developed and delivered the Billie Eilish Climate and Fashion focus at the singers’ London Overheated festival. In 2021, Samata joined COP26 as part of the SHE Changes Climate initiative.
About RCGD Global
Conceived by Suzy Amis Cameron, RCGD Global (@redcarpetgreendress) has been dedicated to innovating and supporting the development of a more socially fair, equitable and representative industry, spotlighting sustainability through lenses of climate, biodiversity, and social justice to circularity solutions and representation, whilst collaborating with talent from 21 countries and counting.
Under her leadership and since its inception, the organisation has grown to include brand collaborations, internships, knowledge-share platforms and educational experiences with a focus on accessible sustainable solutions in areas ranging from climate to biodiversity.
Listen to This Episode:
Tune in to this episode of the Conscious Style Podcast below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
This Episode Was Brought To You By:
Passion Lilie
Fair trade fashion brand Passion Lilie partners with 5 different artisan groups in India to create their beautifully printed dresses, jumpsuits, and a variety of other clothing and accessories.
As a Fair Trade Federation member, Passion Lilie ensures that their partners are paying living wages to their makers, offering a safe and healthy work environment, and are investing in the overall wellbeing of the artisans. The brand also uses durable natural fibers and non-toxic dyes for their collections.
Conscious Fashion Collective
Want to start or grow a career in sustainable fashion? Find your next career opportunity on Conscious Fashion Collective’s Job Board.
You can also sign up for the Conscious Fashion Collective job newsletter to get career opportunities delivered to your inbox, plus upcoming events.
And download the free ebook: 101 Careers In Sustainable Fashion.
