Livia Giuggioli, also known as the “queen of the green carpet,” is at it again. The sustainable fashion campaigner and film producer stood firmly in opposition to Donald Trump’s recent state visit to the UK. As the world knows, she famously shredded her honorary Member of the British Empire (MBE) award in protest. This protest is a result of her personal rage at the President’s inflammatory language used during his campaign and what her visit represents.
In 2019, Giuggioli received an honorary MBE for her efforts to promote sustainable fashion and improve conditions within the garment industry. Founded on principles of social justice, she accepted the award on behalf of garment workers worldwide, emphasizing her commitment to creating a more equitable fashion supply chain. Her most recent moves signal a deep frustration with the state of national politics.
This week Giuggioli did not mince words over her disgust with President Trump for the speech he gave at the UNGA. She referred to him as a “sad excuse of a human.” She attacked how his “poisonous rhetoric” was elevated and legitimized throughout his visit. She argues that the symbolism of such a low level of diplomatic engagement from her would undermine her core beliefs and principles. It runs against everything she believes King Charles stands for.
“I cannot reconcile being part of the British empire, particularly in light of what happened last week.” – Livia Giuggioli
Her feelings were evident as she described the effects of Trump’s visit to the UK on their communities. She stated that his actions stood for the “obliteration of the natural world and the most vulnerable people on Earth.” Giuggioli said thousands of her fellow British citizens connect with her concerns. They are caught between their values of fairness and justice and the “grotesque pantomime” they saw play out when Trump visited.
Giuggioli, former wife of actor Colin Firth, has been celebrated for her commitment to sustainable fashion. She lambasts the “toxic” legacy of the British Empire that she argues is still pervasive today. She gave a special shout-out to King Charles for his leadership on social and environmental justice. She said everything happening lately has eclipsed those key values.
“Last week’s display showed me nothing of those values I thought King Charles upheld – or its spirit … I know so many honourable, decent British people who will be unable to reconcile their deeply held values of fairness and justice with the grotesque pantomime we witnessed.” – Livia Giuggioli
Whether by coincidence or design, Giuggioli’s actions serve to underscore just how powerful political events can be. More importantly, they motivate individuals to step up and fight what they believe in. Her decision to shred her MBE personally communicates a mighty message. It has acted as a rallying point for all those who are equally disaffected.