Hollywood is known for its drama, both on and off the red carpet and as much behind the camera as in front. Since we are in the thick of awards season (which generally runs from around November to march) there are bound to be a few spats.
Climate change seems to have been the contentious catalyst for a few of them. From Sun columnist Dan Wootton’s outrage over the menu at the Golden Globes being completely plant-based (and the absolute online lambasting he got for it) to Ricky Gervais roasting Hollywood with his opening monologue, which he concluded with, “So, if you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.”
But the latest bit of controversy came from British designer Stella McCartney who custom made a tuxedo for Joaquin Phoenix for the event; it’s is a good pairing since he is a long-time vegan and eco-activist and Stella has been a long-time pioneer for sustainable fashion since launching her label in 2001.
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters globally, so much so that during the G7 summit in France last year, 32 of the planet’s biggest clothing brands, textile manufacturers and retailers – of which Stella McCartney is one – formed a coalition to address their negative environmental impact: The Fashion Pact.
The agreement looks to achieve three science-based targets: to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, o restore natural ecosystems and protect local plant and animal species, and to gradually stop using single-use plastics. So, the efforts on the part of designers to address climate change is commendable.
What bothered the internet was her tweet following his win for best actor in a drama for The Joker:
This man is a winner… wearing custom Stella because he chooses to make choices for the future of the planet. He has also chosen to wear this same Tux for the entire award season to reduce waste. I am proud to join forces with you… x Stella#JoaquinPhoenix #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/Ymbkl78ecN
— Stella McCartney (@StellaMcCartney) January 6, 2020
I mean, you can scroll down for the replies – they’re pretty savage.
Read the room Stella. By all means highlight Joaquin’s commitment to the environment by repurposing his outfit (I mean, a tuxedo is a classic for a reason) but let’s not play too fast and loose with the word “hero,” okay? Considering the prices of your clothing, the real crime would be NOT wearing the suit more than once. Many of us mere mortals couldn’t bin an outfit after wearing once even if we wanted to!