Stella McCartney: Green Carpet Challenge 2014

By Chere Di Boscio

Livia Firth’s Green Carpet Challenge was taken up at London Fashion Week by Stella McCartney, big time.

The British designer (who wore a cape dress we want RIGHT NOW) created 13 ravishing new pieces made only by using recycled or certified sustainable materials. Rather than showing them on a runway, she unveiled these gorgeous creations, which featured delectable colour blocks, slimming column silhouettes and rich materials leftover from Stella’s previous collections, at an event hosted by Livia Firth’s Eco Age, as well as Natalie Massenet and Anna Wintour, as well as Stella herself.

Guests were invited to explore the rather spooky Forest Room, made possible by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), with whom Stella has created a line of shoes, using sustainable wood for the soles. Held at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the event’s decor was even recycled–it included repurposed props from films.

“The event last night was a clear cross road for global fashion” said Livia Firth. “The beautiful GCC clothes by Stella showcased in a magical recreated world all made with upcycled materials – truly the perfect marriage of ethics and aesthetics and a celebration of this.”

After showing what she could do with eco-friendly materials, McCartney seemed to surprise even herself: “I keep thinking, Wow—that’s all eco. It still surprises me. It’s not a token garment or two. It’s a full collection,” said McCartney at the event. “I am proud to be expanding the boundaries of what sustainability can look and feel like. Do I sound like I am preaching?”

Guests included Alexa Chung, Drew Barrymore, Samuel L Jackson, Dakota Johnson, Hamish Bowles, Rita Ora, Daisy Lowe, and just about any other A lister you can imagine. Selma Hayek and hubby Francois Henri Pinault showed up to show their support for green fashion: Pinault has invested in several bijou eco-friendly brands, and is also ensuring that the entire Kering group that he runs (and which Stella McCartney is a part of) becomes more sustainable every year.

Selected looks from Stella McCartney’s eco capsule collection will be available exclusively at Stella McCartney stores and on Net-a-porter starting in November.

Images: Stella McCartney, Vogue.com