For her red carpet look to wear to the Academy Awards, Tati Gabrielle made a sustainable statement – wearing an ethical and eco-responsible HELLESSY custom-made gown, crafted from TENCEL™ lyocell fibers and HELLESSY archive golden fringe. The collaboration marks the third consecutive year Suzy Amis Cameron’s RCGD Global Initiative and TENCEL™ partnership produces occasion wear using renewable cellulose-based sources of 100 percent botanic origin.

An agent of change and sustainability advocate of African-American and Korean descent, Gabrielle – the star of Uncharted, You and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina – was the perfect muse for the occasion. The custom off-shoulder cape gown dress with fringing draws inspiration from designer and CFDA member Sylvie Millstein’s Fall-Winter 2022 collection that debuted via private appointment during New York Fashion Week last month. Made from an ivory TENCEL™ Lyocell textile, the gown is a timeless embodiment of the HELLESSY modern heirloom brand ethos.

“It’s been a dream working with Tati. It’s an honor to have her in a custom HELLESSY gown for an event of such global importance. This occasion in partnership with RCGD Global™ and TENCEL™ holds significance beyond the red carpet in supporting the message of sustainable fashion around the world. I saw Tati first in YOU and was blown away by her. She has such a bright future ahead of her and I am so grateful that she chose to wear HELLESSY to share her voice at the Oscars this year,” Millstein said.

Before the big night, we caught up with the actress to hear more about the look.

Tell us about your look. What inspired tonight’s outfit?

Tonight, I am wearing a Hellessy gown made of Tencel sustainable fabrics, it’s an off-the-shoulder gown with a cape and fringing that drips down. The inspiration for this look came from full goddess vibes. And now I’m wearing it, that’s turned into full goddess superhero vibes which I’m super excited about. I feel like a superhero saving the planet one gown at a time.

Why was HELLESSY the right designer for you to wear on such a special night? 

HELLESSY and their practices are already so sustainable. We had a last minute get-together and as their design team and production is in New York, it made it a really great match for what we wanted to achieve. I love the timelessness of the HELLESSY look. They create garments that you can re-wear, pieces you can have for the rest of your life. I know a lot of their pieces I’d want to save to give to my kids one day. HELLESSY just fit my vision.

How would you describe your personal style?

I don’t really know how to describe my style;, it’s eclectic. I love vintage, I’m a big thrifter and love repurposing things and using things unconventionally. I like to play outside the box and really express myself with the way that I dress so that can look totally different day to day but style is something that really brings me excitement.

Do you have any getting ready rituals? How do you prep before a big night out?

I like to listen to music and dance around with my dog a little bit before starting to get ready for an occasion. Just to get the nerves out. I’m also a big toaster. I like to bring a bottle of champagne for my team and make everything a celebration. Every new experience, every new event is always a celebration for me.

How does it feel to be attending your first Academy Awards? 

It’s mind blowing. I don’t know how to feel yet; it’s very surreal to me still. It’s a childhood dream. I would have never thought or guessed that this would be happening right now and it’s such an honor to be able to go with RCGD and be able to share this message along with it. It’s truly a dream come true. I’m really excited.