What Went Down At The First-Ever Digital Green Carpet Fashion Awards

Now in its fourth edition, the annual Green Carpet Fashion Awards (GCFAs) is typically one of the highlights of Milan Fashion Week in September, and although we had to endure the anticipation a couple of weeks longer than usual to find out who this year’s winners would be (prize- and style-wise), it was well worth the wait.

Streamed on YouTube over the weekend, the first-ever virtual ceremony, jointly organised by Livia Firth’s Eco-Age and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, gave us a clear glimpse at the potential offered by a technology-fuelled approach to fashion and fashion-related events. Carrying themes of togetherness and rebirth, the hour-long show harnessed the power of augmented reality, special effects and 3D real-time renderings to transform Milan’s Teatro alla Scala into a paradisiacal terrarium, with celebrities making their appearances via holograms and pre-recorded cinematic footage.

Celebrating the industry trailblazers who are at the vanguard of sustainability, equality and inclusivity, the 2020 GCFAs saw Zendaya honoured with the Visionary Award for her efforts in bolstering diversity in fashion, such as tapping plus-size models in her collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger and bringing an all-Black team on board for her recent cover shoot.  

“We admire and celebrate her aim to create a more accurate reflection of the world in which she lives,” Livia Firth declared. “By working with and championing trailblazing within the Black community, she is a leading example for younger generations and beyond.”

“It’s an incredible honour and [it] means the world to me,” said Zendaya. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of being able to showcase other different types of beauties. Through the work that I get to do, creating more positions of power, more creative positions, I hope to continue to be able to do that until this industry really does reflect the beauty that I see every day.”

Other memorable moments included opening speeches by Robert Downey Jr. and Colin Firth, readings by Cate Blanchett and performances by British-Jamaican soul singer Celeste and operatic soprano Sonya Yoncheva. Not to mention plenty of star power, courtesy of Maisie Williams, Julianne Moore, Iman, Ellie Goulding, Laura Dern, Lewis Hamilton, Iris Law, Lucky Blue Smith, Lil Miquela and more.

To accept her Visionary Award, Zendaya and her longtime stylist Law Roach sourced a vintage gown from the Versace archives, designed by Gianni Versace himself. Fittingly, the chocolate brown number debuted on the Fall/Winter 1996 runway, making it the same age as Zendaya. 

Valentino crafted this gossamer wrap dress in GOTS-certified chiffon organza silk, which Adeyemi paired with gloves and sandals from the Maison Valentino archive.

The Italian actress chose a midi dress from Prada's Re-Nylon collection, which uses regenerated ECONYL® yarn derived from marine plastic debris. 

One of the presenters of the night, Williams appeared in a checked Stella McCartney suit of responsibly sourced wool and viscose and organic cotton. 

Lee was a vision of elegance in a high-necked Gucci gown adorned with floral embroidery. 

As daring as ever, the Hollywood scion wore a floor-length, printed M Missoni dress made from deadstock and recycled polyester.

Minimalist chic never goes wrong, as the German model proves in this vintage wool and silk tuxedo from Max Mara's Fall/Winter 1989 collection. 

The songstress donned a custom couture creation by Ralph & Russo in emerald silk with an intricately layered bustier and over-the-shoulder cape draping, embellished with over 150 glittering, responsibly sourced Gemfields Zambian emeralds. 

Alessandro Michele is the brilliant mind behind this stunning crew-neck gown in silk moiré and sustainable viscose, accessorised with pink cady opera gloves. 

The P-Valley actor championed sustainability in a #UseTheExisting three-piece suit by Ermenegildo Zegna, crafted using pre-consumer offcuts recovered from the label's manufacturing process. 

A sustainably manufactured, vegan tuxedo by Giorgio Armani added to Downey's distinctive charisma. 

Following in Cate Blanchett's footsteps, Alexa Chung recycled a bespoke, gold brocade Prada gown circa 2016.