Red Carpet Green Dress, a women-led global change-making organisation,
has named two winners of its global design competition, which challenged
designers to submit a sketch of a red carpet-worthy gown or suit that
advocates sustainable fashion.
The competition, conceived in 2009 by Suzy Amis Cameron during the press
tour for her husband, James Cameron’s film ‘Avatar’, called on emerging and
established designers over the age of 21 to deliver eco-friendly garments.
Each entry had to showcase a no-waste, circular economy approach, with
social impact consideration, including fair and humane treatment of
manufacturers, a clear supply chain and, importantly, materials which use a
high proportion of eco-friendly and recycled materials.
The international competition judging panel selected two winners – Sanah
Sharma from Chennai, India, and Jasmine Kelly Rutherford from New York,
USA.
Sharma, who graduated the Pearl Academy in 2015 with a BA in Fashion
Design before launching her namesake label, won the red carpet gown
accolade for her zero-waste design plan.
Harold Weghorst, vice president of global marketing and branding at
Lenzing AG, who sat on the judging panel, said of the winning gown design:
“Sanah’s dress is a perfect symbiosis of fashion and sustainability. The
elegance of the design and the smart concept of zero-waste makes Sanah the
deserved winner of this contest.”
Sanah Sharma and Jasmine Kelly Rutherford win the Red Carpet Green
Dress Global Design Contest 2020
While the winner of the 2020 suit design was Rutherford, a recent
graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Her tailored
design will be created exclusively using an RCGD x Tencel Luxe cashmere
fusion fabric that is lightweight and strong enough to hold pleats and
smocking.
Commenting on her win, Rutherford said: “Having a textile that is both
sustainable and long-wearing is a huge asset. I always try to design with
the wearer in mind; I want the client to be comfortable and not feel like
they are wearing something confining.
“While wearing my design, I want them to not only look luxurious but
feel it too. Winning the RCGD global design contest is beyond exciting
because I believe that sustainability is becoming increasingly important in
the fashion industry. As I create, I want my designs to not only tell a
story but to have a voice and speak on issues that affect us around the
world.”
Both designs will be produced in early 2021 with sustainable eco-couture
textiles from the recently announced RCGD X Tencel Luxe collaboration and
both will be worn by two prominent VIPs from the fashion and entertainment
industry. These RCGD ambassadors will be announced at a later date, but are
expected to attend the 2021 pre-Oscars Gala in the winners’ designs.
In addition, both winners are also awarded a monetary cash prize of
1,000 US dollars each and will receive a three-month business mentorship
with Samata Pattinson, chief executive of Red Carpet Green Dress and
internship experience with couture designer Laura Basci in her LA-based
atelier.
Pattinson added: “Announcing the winners brings back memories of when I
was in their position, and won the contest back in 2011. It completely
changed my life. The winners have such an incredible and exciting journey
ahead of them.
“Red Carpet Green Dress has been raising awareness of sustainability in
the fashion industry for over a decade, changing people’s mindsets and
creating a conversation about the issues and leading action. Sanah Sharma
and Jasmine Kelly Rutherford will not only dress ambassadors but will
receive first-hand experience and mentorship.”
The contest also raised funds for two organisations Awaj Foundation in
Bangladesh and The Fifth Pillar in Myanmar, as provision for the
disproportionately vulnerable garment workers severely impacted by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
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Image: courtesy of Red Carpet Green Dress – Sanah Sharma and Jasmine
Kelly Rutherford