Meet Billie Eilish, the trailblazing pop sensation with a style that's as captivating as her chart-topping hits. But it's not just her music that has the world in awe; it's her unique fashion sense and her unwavering commitment to sustainability and veganism that have established her as the style icon the planet desperately needs.
Recently, the Grammy-winning artist, who has been vegan since she was 12, partnered with Gucci to unveil an eco-friendly campaign, introducing the world to the brand's first-ever products made with ‘Demetra,’ an innovative animal-free material. Billie showcased these products in a cinematic video set to her hit song ‘What Was I Made For?’ while riding hands-free in the back of a speeding pickup truck and posing with a sleek red electric guitar, all, while dressed in Gucci clothes, tailored to match her oversized look. The innovative handbags, which are a big win in the alternative materials direction, have been created with Demetra and come in two designs: a black, faux-leather model with a silver chain and a tan, Gucci logo-patterned design. These sustainable and stylish pieces are priced at $3,500 and $3,200, respectively, and are available on the Gucci website.
Image Source: Instagram/gucci
But this campaign isn’t the first time the singer has championed sustainable style. For the Met Gala in 2021, she graced the red carpet wearing a custom Oscar de la Renta gown. This move had far-reaching implications, as Billie made wearing the gown conditional on the brand discontinuing fur sales. Oscar de la Renta heeded her call, making a significant change by ending fur sales, thanks to Billie's advocacy as a vegan and animal rights activist.
Image Source: Nytimes.com
Billie's commitment to sustainability doesn't end there. At the 2022 Met Gala, she arrived on the red carpet in a custom upcycled Gucci creation made entirely from pre-existing materials. The gown featured a form-fitting corset, lace sleeves, and a ruched skirt in satin with a padded bustle, all while staying true to her signature punk flair. Even her beige platform shoes were made from vegan materials, cementing her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Image Source: Graziamagazine.com
Billie's advocacy for the environment isn't limited to fashion events either. At the American Music Awards in 2019, she wore a black t-shirt that read ‘No Music on a Dead Planet’ in red jewels, supporting Music Declares Emergency, a group of artists and organisations working towards a carbon-neutral future.
Image Source: Instagram/musicdeclares
The artist’s passion for sustainability, however, goes beyond her wardrobe. During her 2022 tour, she hosted a six-day ‘Overheated’ event focusing on climate change awareness and activism. This event brought together musicians, activists, and fashion experts to discuss the state of the planet, how to tackle climate anxiety, and how to use your voice for impact. The event featured guest speakers like singer Ellie Goulding and climate activist Tori Tsui, along with a screening of her documentary ‘Overheated,’ co-created with her brother, Finneas. Fans could also exchange unwanted clothing items for upcycled merch using deadstock fabrics, thanks to Billie's collaboration with Citizen-T, a sustainable fashion company. The event also partnered with Support + Feed, a non-profit tackling food insecurity and the climate crisis with plant-based food, and REVERB, a second-hand and vintage music merchandising marketplace, ensuring that all ticket sale profits would be donated to these worthy causes.
In a world where fast fashion dominates and environmental concerns are often side-lined, Billie Eilish stands out as the style icon the planet desperately needs. Her commitment to sustainable fashion and vegan choices not only inspires her fans but also drives change within the fashion industry and raises awareness for critical environmental issues. Billie is not just a pop sensation; she's a force for good in a world that's longing for a sustainable style icon.