Zendaya , All Photos Courtesy of Getty Images
Amidst the glamor of Oscars week, the Green Carpet Fashion Awards (GCFA) took center stage. Uniting global leaders from the fashion and entertainment industries, this event highlighted the intersection of sustainability and style. With star-studded attendees including Donatella Versace, John Legend, Zendaya, and Annie Lennox - the evening was a celebration of visionaries and rebels who help shape a more sustainable future.
Hosted at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood, the 2024 GCFA showcased the need for collaboration and innovation in tackling pressing global challenges.
Donatella Versace & Annie Lennox
Anything but your typical awards show- this event goes far beyond the expected. Serving as a platform to recognize individuals embodying six cultural archetypes, crucial for collective transformation: The Visionary, The Messenger, The Rebel, The Healer, The Sage, and The Futurist. These awards honor those who are distinctly pushing boundaries for an eco-conscious future.
L to R: Helen Hunt, Judith Heard, Law Roach, Amber Valletta, Wanjiku "Wawa" Gatheru and Summer Dean, Shaka Senghor and Christopher Bevans
Greenland environmentalist Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq was awarded the Visionary honor for his dedication to climate protection and indigenous rights. Kalpona Akter, founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity, was honored as the Messenger for her tireless campaign for worker safety and fair wages in the garment industry.
Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq & Kalpona Akter
John Legend, acclaimed musician and social justice activist, received the Rebel Award for his two decades of initiatives in fighting for criminal justice reform and racial equality. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN Special Envoy on Climate Change, received the Healer Award for her passionate advocacy for gender equality and climate justice.
John Legend & Mary Robinson
Ugandan presidential candidate Bobi Wine and his wife Barbie Kyagulanyi were recognized as Futurists for their commitment to inspiring positive change and democracy in Uganda. Additionally, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres was honored as The Sage for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to environmental and social justice. Additionally,
Bobi Wine and Barbie Kyagulanyi
A notable highlight of the evening was the honoring of U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres for his leadership on the climate crisis. In his acceptance speech, Guterres emphasized the importance of collective action and urged attendees to continue fighting for a more sustainable future, stating:
“Together our efforts are making a difference. We need a quantum leap in action to put an end to the fossil fuel age, and save ourselves, and our planet, from the worst of climate chaos. So, let’s keep fighting, keep speaking the truth, keep creating change, and keep up the pressure. You can count on me. And I am counting on you”
(See full video at the bottom)
On Screen: U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. Pictured: Livia Firth & Vanessa Nakate
Among other honorees was Donatella Versace, recognized for her activism on LGBTQ+ rights. Trans actress and activist Michaela Jaé Rodriguez presented Versace with the Game Changer Honor, acknowledging her tireless efforts in advocating for inclusivity and acceptance within the fashion industry and beyond.
Donatella Versace & Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
The event also spotlighted a new generation of leaders with the GCFA Young Leader Honorees, including grassroots activists, social entrepreneurs, and climate justice advocates. These young changemakers represent the future of sustainability and are driving transformative change in local communities and beyond.
L to R: Laiyonelth Hurtad, Niha Elety, Mary Maker, Kevin Patel, Zara Odu, Bethann Hardison, Zendaya
Founder of the GCFA, Livia Firth, highlighted the event's mission of driving transformation through fashion and entertainment. She emphasized the importance of storytelling and collective action in addressing the climate crisis and reshaping the world for the better.
L to R: Livia Firth, Annie Lennox, Kalpona Akter
As the fashion industry continues its journey toward sustainability, events like the Green Carpet Fashion Awards are a powerful reminder of the impact that can be achieved through collaboration. By honoring leaders and changemakers, the GCFA inspires us all to work towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Let's take a cue from the GCFA and keep making sustainable choices, big or small, every day!
L to R: Saad Amer, Aditi Mayer, Adam Perry, Rupi Kaur ,DJ Shai, Alberto Candiani, Gabriela Giovanardi, Damiano Dall’Anese, and Simon Giuliani
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres' Speech:
