This week in Los Angeles, Maison de Mode held its fifth annual Sustainable Style Awards at the West Hollywood Edition Hotel, where the city’s fashionable set gathered to celebrate the achievements in sustainability in fashion. Awardees included Carolyn Murphy for her long devotion to sustainability, and Aurora James who received the Impact Award for her work with Brother Vellies and the 15 Percent Pledge. 

Paloma Garcia Lee, a rising style star who keeps sustainability in mind, attended the event. Since Maison de Mode’s Future of Fashion Summit last year, the actress has made a more conscious effort to think about sustainability in her fashion choices. To that end, she chose a look from a champion of sustainability and a zero-waste philosophy Zero + Maria Cornejo for the occasion. Fresh off a whirlwind Awards season for her role in West Side Story, we got ready with Garcia Lee for her first ever Sustainable Style Awards. 

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

Tonight’s outfit is this stunning Maria Cornejo jumpsuit and diamonds by De Beers. The moment I laid eyes on this gorgeous, playful, sexy, silky jumpsuit I knew it would be perfect for the night. Recently, for all of the Academy Award events, I was really feeling playful in gowns and long dresses and I love shifting into a jumpsuit. The fabric is exquisite and barely feels like I am wearing anything at all which is a dream. I love showcasing different sides of myself and as I continue to expand and play more with expressing myself through style and fashion, this just felt reflective of exactly how I am feeling this week and the evening I am stepping into.

Why was Zero + Maria Cornejo the right designer for you to wear on such a special night?

I love Maria Cornejo and the history and purpose behind her work – the craftsmanship and the idea of making pieces that can be worn over and over but still feel fresh and fashion forward. I love that the pieces are fundamental pieces, simple pieces, elevated. As I delve more deeply into the world of sustainable fashion and look for ways to not only do my part in making more conscious choices, but also aligning myself with designers, foundations, and artists who have a more sustainable and long term mindset, I am in awe of the designers who are pushing this forward and staying aligned with core values of making responsible fashion. I love that Maria is New York-based. I’m new to LA and living in New York the past 13 years, I thought it was reflective of my history and roots. I care to make real, lasting relationships with the designers I wear and work with, and I look forward to continuing this relationship with Maria and am grateful to have met her and to be wearing her to the Sustainable Style Awards.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is evolving. The last six months have been eye-opening and as I am entering new rooms and events and experiences in my life, I am allowing my idea of my style and what I like to change and grow right along with me. Something that I have discovered, especially working with a few eco-conscious designers now is that I am passionate about incorporating those values into my day-to-day life, and also when I have the visibility to bring forth causes I am passionate about, to make real room to bring this discussion forward. For me, I like to feel comfortable, sexy, effortless. I love to float and twirl around a room without feeling constricted, I like to feel strong and feminine. I am learning to play with color and shape more. Designers are pushing me to explore myself and how I can express myself through what I wear. I am so excited by this and look forward to continuing to push the envelope and stay engaged and playful in how I dress and who I wear!

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

My getting ready rituals, especially with my team, are pretty simple. I love a good playlist, good energy, and I always need pre-event snacks. I have the most incredible stylist, makeup artist and hairstylist. Truly, I am in awe of the talent and kindness they each exude. We have all found our groove together and know that when we are getting ready for an event it’s going to be a great space— that’s not rushed and isn’t stressful. I like moving slowly and so we never feel crunched for time, and I always like doing a little photo shoot to capture the looks we come up with. Play. I think that’s something I am learning to lean into more in my life – I like a playful, easy environment – I thrive when I take the time to really cultivate that for myself and those around me. It’s also my intention for this lunar cycle, eclipse season and Taurus season (I’m a taurus!) playing more and basking in all the goodness. Oh… And snacks. ALWAYS snacks.