Mary Fellowes has spent over 25 years at the forefront of fashion, luxury and publishing — always with a trailblazing spirit. From creating the world’s first sustainable red carpet wardrobes for stars like Olivia Colman and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, to founding GreenWith Studio, her work champions innovation and responsibility in equal measure.
Her mission is clear: to prove that style and sustainability must go hand in hand. Mary's commitment to reshaping fashion’s future, is a vision that mirrors our own at Skydiamond — that true luxury is defined by integrity, innovation, and values you can wear.
1. What was the moment you knew you had to dedicate your time to your cause?
In 2019, after finally persuading Prada to create a sustainable red carpet gown for Olivia Colman, I went on retreat in the Himalayas. While volunteering at an animal sanctuary, our main patient of the day was a cow. This poor beautiful beast had been foraging the streets and fallen, and had a gaping gash in her site The vet produced what he found that had caused her to nearly die: polyester textiles. I nearly fainted, and felt sick to my core. Later that evening, a philanthropist asked what I was learning on the retreat and what I’d do next. I turned him and said “I just had something happen today that I know will change me forever. I simply can’t go on.”
“I just had something happen today that I know will change me forever. I simply can’t go on.”
Remembering Karl Lagerfeld’s advice to always move forward, to continually reinvent irrespective of what you’ve done before. I resolved then and there to dedicate myself fully to sustainability.
Featured a recent Skydiamond showcase, styled by Mary Fellowes.
2. How do you keep motivated when it feels one step forward and two steps back?
Because this feels like a duty, and because it’s got a much bigger mission than just my own gain. And because it’s so completely and intrinsically enmeshed with my own personal values. When your own values are at stake, that is when it’s not a choice but an action that just simply has to be done.
On both sides of my family, I’ve been extremely lucky to have the example set of many many many centuries of relentless public service. I’m proud to be able to honour that legacy in whatever way I can.
And also because having been so happy when I was young and skint at art school, plus having lived and touched it out in developing countries, I’ve learned resilience. And that success is not one continuous smooth line but more of a zigzag.
As my grandfather used to tell me, “One just keeps bashing on”!
3. What does a Skydiamond represent to you?
Innovation, alchemy, magic.
I’m proud to say those words with conviction and a personal, well evidenced perspective. I have personally dug deep in the laboratories where your Skydiamonds are born and grow. It was utterly mesmerising. Like being in the combination of a Jodorowsky movie and a fairy tale.
4. What would you say to Mother Nature if you could shout it up to the Sky?
Don’t give up on us just yet! The next generation is full of changemakers, innovators, and alchemists. They’ve got your back.
5. Who or What are you currently most encouraged by that will help us deliver a more brilliant tomorrow for people or planet?
Both the ancient and the modern ancient meaning Buddhism and other spiritual practices plus indigenous wisdom
Modern meaning material science and biotech innovators, the next generation of consumers and voters. They just won’t accept anything that violates their values. And their courage, and quest to push boundaries, is pure fuel.
Explore Mary's commitment to 'Another Way'
@mary_fellowes
@greenwith_studio
