Gretta Monahan Shows Off the Importance of Plastics at New York Fashion Week

Gretta Monahan, popular "stylist to the stars," used her own star power following September's New York Fashion Week to highlight the rapid rise in the use of recycled plastics in clothing and fashion, underscoring how the eco-chic movement has become mainstream in the fashion world.

Perhaps best known as one of Rachel Ray's "buddies" and Tim Gunn's "fashion accomplice," Gretta appeared on TV shows across the country following Fashion Week to discuss sustainability and fashion. She also educated fashion reporters from major media outlets about the broad use of plastics in fashion, focusing on the trends she saw on the runways in New York.

To take her message to an even broader audience, Gretta also announced an online consumer contest with a chance to win a $500 gift card from a fashion retailer.

"As a stylist, I watch for more than just new trends," Gretta said. "It's important to me personally to look for clothing and accessories that are easy on the environment. The eco-chic movement—and in particular the rapid rise in fashions made with recycled plastics—demonstrates that style and sustainability can go hand in hand."

Gretta pointed out that well-known designers and brands, such as Rebecca Taylor and Patagonia, are using recycled plastics in clothing and accessories that are available at mainstream retailers. She also noted the prevalence of plastics on the New Yorkrunways, including metallic details made with plastic fibers, sheer layers made from fabrics such as polyester chiffon, and skinny pants that rely on spandex for their sleek look.

"While many people don't associate plastics with fashion or couture, they're literally woven into the fabric of many of our favorite looks," Gretta pointed out. "For example, nylon, polyester, spandex, faux fur, faux leather, vinyl, polyurethane, acrylic, rayon, microfiber—all of these are plastics and are widely used in the potpourri of styles I saw at Fashion Week. And they're often very affordable to help achieve a high-end look for much less."

Gretta also helped Plastics Make it Possible^® launch an online contest in September for a chance to win a $500 gift card to popular fashion retailer Shopbop. Participants answer two brief questions about recycling and fashion to enter the contest at http://plasticsmakeitpossible.com/fashion.

"Gretta Monahan has done a terrific job highlighting the important role of plastics in fashion and encouraging people to be both fashion conscious and eco conscious," said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council, the sponsor of Plastics Make it Possible^®. "The consumer's role is simple but critical: recycle more plastics and look for fashion and other products made with recycled plastics."

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