Celebrities join Livia to make it the best GCC yet!

This is a historic night for the GCC. Joining me walking the sustainable fashion walk at tonight's BAFTAs are the wonderful Viola Davis, Michael Fassbender and someone who is no strange to this challenge: Colin Firth.

It takes a particularly cool and forward thinking actress to come with us on the GCC. Luckily we struck gold with Viola Davis, who has also revealed herself not just as a prodigiously talented actress but as a true fashion icon during the past few weeks on the world's red carpets. We were able to pair her with one of the fashion greats for tonight's BAFTAs: Valentino. I hope you find the combination and this first ever eco Valentino gown as breathtaking as I do.

Behind the scenes we've been unflappable and everything has gone completely to plan. This is a downright fib. On a scale of calm to blind panic, we were somewhere near the latter when the fabric for Viola's dress got stuck in an epic snowstorm on the way to Turin. If it weren't for the valliant attempts of my dear friend Giorgio taking the fabric from Milan to Rome on the train, I think Viola would be wearing actual soda cans rather than the miraculously recycled ones.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVIA'S ARMANI GOLDEN GLOBES GOWN EXCLUSIVE!

And tonight's important for anyone that worries that menswear gets left out of these debates. Let's hear it for the boys! Michael Fassbender and Colin both wear tuxedos by Giorgio Armani made from ethical wool with accents from recycled fabric, made to our own GCC specifications. This is the second part of a very rewarding collaboration with Giorgio Armani.

Continuing a theme, I am also in a tuxedo tonight as I swap my old Hollywood look for a sleek, sophisticated (provided I carry it off!) boyish one. The hard work has of course already been done by the genius of UK design,Sir Paul Smith. He is one of my heroes and I am thrilled that he's taken up the GCC for the BAFTAs. Contrary to what I would've thought, the tux makes me feel incredibly feminine, and quite naughty (I know, I know - too much information!)

CLICK HERE FOR THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SIR PAUL SMITH. 

Anyway, working with Paul Smith and his team of highly skilled, passionate people was like a dream come true. His ethos, supply chain knowledge and commitment to real fashion skills are totally inspiring. Paul, if you're ever in need of an Italian intern with some sewing skills and her own sustainable dress suit, you know where I am!

The GCC hits Paris Couture week!

The GCC this year is not just about turning red carpets a bit greener, but opening doors for and to the fashion industry. I'll confess I'm something of a fashion week ingénu. Previously, I've only ever attended Estethica at London Fashion Week watching emerging ethical designers. I thought that was exciting enough, but now it's time for me to become a special green envoy to the Paris Haute Couture shows.

I am under the wing of my friend the brilliant Franca Sozzani (editor of Vogue Italia). Franca is also the ambassador for Fashion 4 Development, which the GCC supports, as well as Oxfam.

My first question was "how do I pack for this?" I'm treating it like a very long green carpet, which just happens to last a couple of days. My travel outfit is Fifties with a bit of punk twist - Henrietta Ludgate jacket, recycled leather full skirt with studs on the waistband, Prada ballet flats and an old black T-shirt which I bought 10 years ago in LA.

Franca Sozzani, Alber Elbaz and me

On arrival I meet with Franca Sozzani and Alber Elbaz, Lanvin's creative director. I had underestimated how full-on this time of year is for the fashion community. "Between August and Christmas last year I had two days off," Elbaz tells me, "I desperately need a holiday because this is when I am at my most creative. When you stop and get bored, this is when all the best ideas arrive." No chance. As Alber hurries off, the Roger Vivier gang arrive. Regular GCC followers will know Bruno Frissoni, creative director of RV has been a stalwart GCC supporter, regularly fishing out old bits of material to upcycle into an amazing pair of shoes.

Me and Bruno Frissoni,

Armani seamstress finishing off some last minute adjustments in the Hôtel de Crillon bathroom the day before the Armani Prive Show. 

For the evening events (a quick change - in fact everything here involves speedy turnarounds) tonight I've gone for Eva Zingoni. This is upcycling at its most glamorous. I've gone for black trousers with tiny embroidered roses on them, and a chiffon shirt with matching embroidery. My skull necklace in recycled bronze (available on Eco-Age.com from 27 Feb!) tops off the look.

Franca Sozzani and Lady Amanda Harlech, chatting outside Largerfeld's studio. 

Karl Largerfeld picking the accessories for the Chanel show the next day. 

Karl Lagerfeld discussing accessories with Franca Sozzani  and Me!

And it's off to Chanel. I cannot wait to meet Karl Lagerfeld, but really the night before his show, how stressed will he be? Is he really going to want to chat about the finer points of the Green Carpet Challenge? Could this be a more iconic view? Ines de La Fressage is there taking pictures, while Amanda Harlech supervises the models. The clothes are the most stunning I have ever seen. And there is Mr Karl Lagerfeld."'I'm so sorry Mr Lagerfeld," I say in a very small voice, "this is such a busy time for you. I can't imagine what it's like for someone to turn up at such a stressful moment." He takes off those very famous glasses, looks me in the eye and says "Stressed? I love this! There's no stress at all!"

The preparations going on behind me as I talked to Karl. The final run through and make up check!

If it is, I rather like it. I drag myself away from the divine Mr Lagerfeld and return to the hotel room I'm sharing with Warly Tomei, our GCC fashion fixer and my great friend. It already resembles a teenage bedroom - a sprawling pile of clothes, shoes and general mess: how do fashion editors keep everything tidy?

Time for the Chanel show. To my huge surprise, I find myself at the entrance of an aeroplane. I'm about to embark on a flight to Planet Fashion. With characteristic aplomb, Lagerfeld has set his show in a mocked up jet. There are seats, flight attendants complete with trolley and the ambiance of a plane ride when that was still a lovely experience (think Pan Am in its heyday rather than a budget carrier).

The music begins and the most fabulous looking models appear in stunning clothes. From the beads, to the embroidery to the materials - everything is blue. It is beautiful.

One of my favourites from the wonderful Roger Vivier collection. 

Then it's on to the Roger Vivier headquarters for Bruno Frisoni's collection preview lunch. I chat so much to Bruno that I almost forget to go to the Armani show. In a kind-of homage to Superman and his phone box transformations, I use Ines de La Fressage's beautiful pink office to change into my new Giorgio Armani cocktail dress (made from the same NewLife, recycled plastic bottle fabric he used for the GCC Golden Globes). And now I am running in heels, like a proper fashion week person.

Roberta Armani greets me with a huge smile and hug. Sitting near Jessica Chastain and Cameon Diaz we all begin chatting. Jessica's phone rings. It is her agent in LA. "Congratulations you are nominated for an Oscar," he tells her. Jessica's mouth is open, here eyes are wide with surprise, her life is changed for ever. She drops the phone into her lap. We all cheer and clap, camera flashes go off all around.

Franca Sozzani and I front row, excitedly waiting for the show to begin!

What an amazing moment. Then the lights go off, the music starts and here we go at Armani. The colours are green and black. From the magic of Chanel, the uber sexy Armani woman is in the house!

Giorgio Armani and I, after his amazing show!

After Armani, it's off to meet Stefano Tisci at Givenchy in Palace Vendome. I bump into the gorgeous Cameron Diaz again, wandering through the exhibition Tisci has created to showcase his pieces. This is high brow fashion, so rarefied I consider taking my shoes off so I can tip toe around, but in person Stefano has a huge warm smile. He cannot believe the dress I'm wearing is made from recycled plastic bottles (in a good way!).

Cinderella eat your heart out! Giambattista's finale piece!

Next Giambattista Valli at his office. I'm lost in my own Cinderella fantasy. What a dream his collection is and as for his enthusiasm, well I'm beginning to feel that we can all change the world! That's one thing I really notice: all the designers are curious, warm and very interested in learning about the GCC and new materials and how we can work together. Now I understand why the world of fashion is one of the most intoxicating places you can be.

Giambattista Valli with one of his gorgeous dresses!

I wake up actually wondering if I can make it through the day. The shows are not a sprint, they are a marathon and I'm starting to realise you need phenomenal endurance (it's all compounded by the heels!). I see the Autumn/Winter previews of two of my favourite eco brands: Eva Zingoni and Kami Organics.

Then off to meet Stefano Pilati to discuss YSL and the Green Carpet Challenge. Again, he is so kind and supportive and very clued up about traceability issues. He updates me about the fascinating project he has worked on in Burkina Faso with a women's cooperative creating bags.

And now for the last of my Haute Couture shows: Valentino at Hotel Salomon, the old de Rothschild mansion. The backdrop confirms the stature and beauty of the clothes we are about to see.

Last autumn I visited Valentino House in Rome and Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccili aetelier. I found the rooms full of these women in their white coats - some old, some young, as skills were passed from generation to generation truly inspiring. To come face to face with their work, these beautiful gowns you see why it takes weeks and months to make Valentino Couture. The pieces in front of me are pure masterpieces.

One of the great things about being in this environment is that you get to see all your fashion heroes (and heroines). Fashion journalist Sarah Mower is sitting next to me. She was described somewhere as providing commentary "so sharp she could shred leather". Well, she certainly cut the whole "It Bag" phenomenon down to size in a fantastic piece she wrote. She gets to the heart of consumerism and waste without once mentioning eco or green, ushering in a new fashion ethos which is what we're all about here!

Franca Sozzani, Hamish Bowles, Grace Coddington and Suzy Menkes scribbling down their notes,

Indeed, all the big fashion editors and journalists were in attendace from Franca Sozzani, Hamish Bowles, Grace Coddington and Suzy Menkes. All looking serious and scribbling furiously into their notebooks. What struck me is the level of scrutiny at these events. The pressure for the designers must be immense. This reinforces the courage of those doing something very different and in addition to their own aesthetic, taking on the Green Carpet Challenge!

A last run - this time to catch the final Eurostar of the day.

Livia Firth premiers Edeline Lee at Tinker Tailor Solider Spy screening. 

 

Paris gives me a special glow. It's full of very special memories. The first time we came to the historic George V Hotel for example, it was with Tom Ford and Richard Buckley for A Single Man.

But let's face it most of my glow during the GCC comes courtesy of either Georgie, Karen or Natalie - depending on where we are. Just in case anybody is under the illusion I look like this normally let me re-introduce the GCC "refinement team". Georgie takes charge in the US, Karen in London and Paris and Natalie is the queen of eco facials.

For Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, it's out with Cinderella and old Hollywood and in with "cat woman", gloriously vamped up with Karen giving me cat eyes.

With some added help from best supporting garment (my Spanx of course!) the look comes together.

The dress is by young designer Edeline Lee. A graduate of Central St Martins, she also worked with Alexander McQueen and as soon as I saw her work I was attracted by the edgy, urban and sculptural style of her clothes.

These are not qualities often associated with "green". But we say "why not?!" This Jutta Sika paneled dress features organic wool panels and is completely handmade in the UK. By her own admission, Lee is at the start of her sustainable fashion journey, making inroads to sustainable sourcing. Well we think she's a talent to watch!

Livia and Colin Firth host a brunch for the fashion industry to celebrate the launch of the Green Carpet Challenge, 2012. 

The day before the Golden Globes and Livia and Colin Firth introduced this year's Green Carpet Challenge, explaining its unique mix of glamour and ethics and previewing an extraordinary roster of world class design talent. The great and the good of the Californian green scene mingled with entertainment industry stalwarts and fashion industry insiders.

Armani was the first designer to set out on the Green Carpet Challenge at the 69th Golden Globes and Livia and Colin's guests got some hints as to the rest of the Awards Season. It was a great time to catch up with friends such as adventurer ecologist David de Rothschild (who was for once not at sea in a boat made of plastic bottles investigating the pacific garbage patch) and the ultra elegant Elizabeth McGovern (wearing Henrietta Ludgate) who has caught the GCC bug and become a real advocate of sustainable fashion.

Naturally, the talk turned to who was wearing which sustainable threads. Livia Firth previewed her own design - the quintessential little black dress but this time from organic wool with a recycled leather black belt.  The brunch also celebrated the GCC's partnership with Debbie Levin and the EMA (the Environmental Media Association) and toasted our sponsors, AMEX. It was kindly hosted by Soho House, 'Nobody but nobody does events like Soho House,' says Livia, 'and Nick Jones has always been so supportive of everything Colin and I have done'. Photographer Jason Olive caught the key moments of a lively brunch.

Armani launches the Green Carpet Challenge 2012.

Sometime yesterday afternoon I began to get that slightly wobbly-legged feeling. This can mean only one thing: it's time to walk the Golden Globes red carpet! But if ever there was a gown to give confidence in this highly charged environment, home of a zillion flash bulbs, it is this one.

SEE ALL THE GREEN CARPET CHALLENGE 2011 DRESSES

Armani, I am wearing Armani in a GCC collaboration! (Over the past 24 hour I have had to keep repeating that to myself). To the touch this dress feels like silk, and sways and moves in way that is classically elegant. It is cut with the precision that you would expect from - Armani.

This first outing in the 2012 GCC is a distinctly Italian affair. Armani, myself and an unlikely tale of used plastic bottles from Nothern Italy. I never thought I'd say that sentence. Because yes, this super silky sophisticated dress is actually made from fibres scavenged from the recycling of householders in Northern Italy! Make-up artist, Georgie Eisdell understood the heritage of this look immediately. 'We have to have Sofia Loren eyes!' she announced.

Over to Roberta Armani, Giorgio's niece and right hand woman for the official description of the dress. 'For the 69th Golden Globes my uncle has designed an exclusive gown for Livia, created from a special fabric made with fibres derived from the mechanical, non-chemical recycling of plastic bottles. The dress is a strapless column style, with the bodice composed of horizontal strips of fabric that create a peplum at the front, opening up to form a geometrically-pleated train at the back, highlighted by an ornate lining.

When I put the dress on it felt incredible. It transports me to Italy in the 1960s. Armani just knows how to do this so well! There is also a really fun geisha reference in this dress with the ornate lining - very in line with the current Armani look. But the real achievement for me is that last night the GCC proved that sophistication and sustainability can go together. That's the victory that Armani has delivered for us.

The Golden Globes is always super charged with excitement as it's the first big outing of the Awards Season. There was an air of joviality about last night's proceedings, not least because Ricky Gervais was presenting. This year was such good fun for Colin and I - as he is presenting rather than sitting through the tense wait for Best Actor. And we're so excited for some of our friends, especially Elizabeth McGovern of Downton Abbey - a very elegant GCC ambassador.

If you're an eco fashion anorak (and nothing wrong with that!) the story behind the fabric is pretty interesting. GCC Co-founder Lucy Siegle tells us more, 'Armani went for fibre from Newlife ™, a project developed by Filature Miroglio that takes place in Northern Italy. Rather than a vertical supply chain this has been developed horizontally through a system of certified partnerships, all in Italy. This means it's fully traceable - which gets a big thumbs up from the GCC. The end product - the yarn - is fully derived from recycled plastic bottles. In the past I've read about issues with fibre from recycled bottles. A well known rumour involved a manufacturer of this type of yarn in Asia refusing to pay the price for genuine recycled bottles (and sorting and collecting them) so setting up a factory to produce fresh bottles - which obviously goes against the whole point. So the attraction of this production line is that it is 'fully' derived from post consumption plastic bottles from recycling bins across Northern Italy (ie the ones we all use once and throw away). Apparently you need thiry one-and-a-half litre bottles to make one kilo of Newlife TM yarn. It is also processed using a mechanical rather than chemical process. The dyeing cycle and output is the same in this case as standard poyseter. And the polymer is dyed to demand in the yarn phase, so that avoids wasting water (in the traditional process 10 litres of water is used per 1kg of yarn).'

Earrings are from the Damiani archive. Yes, you guessed it - they are an Italian company with a very long history and a deep interest in ethical sourcing. The pieces I chose are Deco earrings from the 1930s - white gold with diamonds. One earring has an Australian pearl, and the other a Tahiti grey pearl. Simply beautiful. An honour to borrow them. Ring from Alberto Parada, THE sustainable jewellers.

This is just the beginning. Which great design name will be next to step up to the Green Carpet Challenge? We can't wait to tell you more!