Explore the eco-revolution of costumes on set and meet the pioneers championing a sustainable future
Written by Rachel Avery
With multi-million-pound budgets, film and TV industries spare no expense on making sure everything looks perfect for production and that includes nailing the outfits worn by the actors and actresses. Have you ever wondered what happens to the clothes once the director yells 'it's a wrap'? Or where the pieces come from in the first place? Discover the sustainable side of costumes…
Laura Frecon is a US costume designer who has worked across the board, from humble black box theatres through to Broadway productions and Netflix hits such as Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and Inventing Anna.
Having immersed herself in the wonderful world of costumes for her entire career, Laura knows behind-the-scenes better than most. "The fashion and entertainment industry is known for being one of the most wasteful industries," she admits. "It is up to us to educate ourselves how to do our job in a more sustainable fashion." So how can changes be made? For Laura it's about "buying practices, our use of resources in the studio and on set, using sustainable textiles and shopping at eco-conscious businesses.
She adds: "I also feel that designers are looking into using more vintage, working with deadstock fabrics and thrifting in their shows. This applies not only in the period shows, but the contemporary ones as well." And perhaps there can be more than one positive for a move towards sustainability. "In my opinion, the mix of new fashion combined with vintage and thrift brings a more authentic element to the character," she says.
ECO-CONSCIOUS INITIATIVES
Pointing out that some film sets are already ahead of the eco change, Laura divulged about her time working on Kong: Skull Island. "We filmed in Hawaii and Australia, where many eco-conscious initiatives have been in place for years. This was also one of my first experiences of having a sustainability committee on set." No stone was left unturned, and the paper-free set even had eco-friendly trailers for the cast and featured 'meatless Mondays' to offset carbon emissions. "Working in Australia on this project inspired me with the idea to develop Verte Luxe," Laura revealed, which is her eco and ethical lifestyle website that combines beauty, fashion and interiors inspiration.
While some productions have an environmental conscience, Laura does recognise th
