Episode 201 | SAMATA, THE RED CARPET GREEN DRESS DESIGN CONTEST + HOW FASHION CAN BE MORE INTERSECTIONAL
In episode 201, Kestrel welcomes Samata, the CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress, to the show. A women-led global change-making organization working from ‘moment’ to movement, Red Carpet Green Dress creates awareness by showcasing sustainable fashion on the red carpet. A British born Ghanaian entrepreneur, Samata is also the founder of THE TRIBE, a women’s empowerment collective.
“I try and choose talent that will speak to different audiences, because part of the way that I think fashion is not intersectional is by the faces it presents as the messenger.”
-Samata, CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress
RED CARPET GREEN DRESS
On this week’s show, Samata shares more on what she’s been up to over the last 4 years since she first came on the show, as well as what life looks like in her new role as the CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress. Kestrel and Samata also discuss how their perspectives have shifted when it comes to sustainability, since both recently becoming new moms.
Additionally, Samata shares more on the intentionality that goes into choosing talent for Red Carpet Green Dress, and the power of having access to a mainstream audience by partnering with the Oscars. Currently, Red Carpet Green Dress is hosting their 2020 Design Contest, of which designers around the world can enter — Samata explains how to enter, and the incredible opportunities the winner will receive.
Kestrel and Samata dive into more on the cultural context and meaning behind garments, as well as the way fashion can be weaponized. Samata shares a story about a conversation she had with someone on the “professionalism” of headwraps, and more on what they mean to her personally.
The below thoughts, ideas + organizations were brought up in this chat:
“Changing mindsets is actually where I think the battle is won.” -Samata
Tencel, RCGD partner for the Design Contest, designers get to choose from 3 Tencel fabrications to incorporate into their entry
Laura Basci, couture designer that will provide mentorship to Design Contest winner
Alice Elia, former winner of the Red Carpet Green Dress Design Contest
Suggested podcast from intro — Hot Take hosted by Mary Annaise Heglar and Amy Westervelt — episode “Media In Meltdown and Climate In Crisis with Kendra Pierre-Louis”
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