Sustainable Chic: Cat Deeley's Vintage Glamour at the NTAs

Cat Deeley, the beloved co-presenter of ITV's This Morning, made a sustainable fashion statement at the recent National Television Awards. Donning a figure-hugging vintage Saint Laurent dress, Deeley showcased her commitment to eco-friendly style while exuding timeless elegance.

Rediscovering the Treasures of the Past

Vintage Allure and Sustainable Sensibilities

Cat Deeley's sartorial choice at the NTAs was a testament to her love for vintage fashion and her growing environmental consciousness. The red Saint Laurent dress she wore was the same one she had worn to her wedding party in 2012, demonstrating her penchant for recycling and repurposing cherished pieces. Deeley's affinity for thrifting and sourcing unique vintage finds has become a hallmark of her personal style, as she seeks to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

The Thrill of the Chase

Deeley's approach to fashion is rooted in a passion for discovery and the joy of unearthing hidden gems. She prefers to find her vintage treasures through in-person shopping experiences rather than online, as she believes the serendipitous nature of the hunt is key to her success. Deeley's strategy is to "go, have a mooch, see what treasures you can find," allowing her to stumble upon the perfect piece when she least expects it. This approach has led her to uncover true "diamonds in the rough," such as a decades-old pair of ballet flats from River Island that she cherishes dearly.

Embracing Timeless Style

As Deeley has grown older, her fashion sensibilities have evolved, focusing more on comfort and confidence rather than chasing the latest trends. She has come to understand what truly suits her body and her personal style, transcending the constraints of seasonal fashion. Deeley's approach to dressing is now more about finding pieces that make her feel empowered and at ease, rather than simply following the dictates of the industry. This mindset has allowed her to cultivate a wardrobe that is both timeless and sustainable, with each item carefully selected to be worn and cherished for years to come.

Championing Secondhand September

Deeley's commitment to sustainable fashion has led her to become a vocal advocate for Oxfam's Second Hand September campaign. This initiative, which has been running since 2019, encourages people to shop for pre-loved clothing as a means of reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Deeley's own experiences with thrifting and vintage shopping have opened her eyes to the significant carbon footprint associated with fast fashion, and she is now dedicated to promoting the benefits of secondhand shopping.

Reducing the Fashion Footprint

Deeley's embrace of secondhand and vintage fashion is not just a personal preference; it is a conscious effort to minimize her environmental impact. Recent analysis by Oxfam has revealed that buying just one pair of jeans and a T-shirt secondhand rather than new can save the equivalent of 20,000 standard bottles of water. This staggering statistic highlights the water-intensive nature of clothes production, and Deeley's choice to recirculate her wardrobe through secondhand purchases is a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

Inspiring a Shift in Mindset

Deeley's journey towards sustainable fashion has been a gradual one, but she believes that the collective awareness of environmental issues is growing. She acknowledges that we no longer operate in individual bubbles, but rather are increasingly conscious of our impact on the world around us. Deeley's own transformation, from a lover of vintage finds to a champion of secondhand shopping, serves as an inspiring example of how small steps can lead to meaningful change.