Annabelle Kajbaf on Hollywood, Sustainable Fashion, and Contemporary Luxury

Annabelle Kajbaf, a discerning voice in sustainable fashion journalism, attended the 2025 Emmys. With an approach that transcends spectacle, Annabelle only wore conscious designers known for their production ethics and craftsmanship. Her choices reflect a nuanced interrogation of luxury’s future, balancing aesthetic rigor with critical awareness. Kajbaf speaks about her intentions, the evening’s experience, and the evolving landscape of fashion. 

A Gown That Redefines Red Carpet Glamour

For the Emmys red carpet, her gown by Kiki Wang became more than an ensemble—it was a statement. Composed of upcycled textiles and adorned with sculptural roses sourced from another ethical atelier, the piece embodied her view of fashion as a medium for reinvention and material stewardship. The roses themselves carried a story: they had been repurposed from a former gown in Wang’s collection.

Known for her striking red creations—seen on runways and red carpets around the world—Wang’s work blends artistry with wearability. Their collaboration felt fated. The two first met years earlier and reconnected recently on a Hollywood red carpet. “She instantly offered to dress me for this special occasion,” she recalls. “And I love that I matched with the poppies and orange flower poppies that night.”

Jewelry With a Story to Tell

The look was completed with jewelry by Leni James, an artist recognized for using ethically sourced stones. Each piece carried its own narrative of provenance and labor. “It has been very challenging to find artists who work with gems that are respectfully sourced,” she says. “By wearing pieces from Leni James—one is even called Paris—I wanted to highlight the importance of transparency and origin.” The jewelry’s clean sparkle brought a touch of Hollywood glamour while staying aligned with her values.

A Golden Twist on Tradition

Her golden boots by House of Quito Carib introduced a striking contrast to the flowing red gown. Crafted in Italy’s Le Marche region, they combined traditional craftsmanship with modern flair. Their luminous finish, brushed with golden sparkles, lent a subtly rebellious energy to her look. “It gave me a very rock feel, which I loved,” she says. “It was far from the conventional red carpet aesthetic.” For her, this juxtaposition encapsulated sustainable fashion’s complexity—its refusal to conform to rigid definitions and its embrace of individuality within luxury.

Accessories That Carry Purpose

The accessories —a clutch by Vie-Lorie and a purse hook by Attaché—reflected a similar philosophy. The clutch embodied understated elegance rooted in mindful materiality, while the purse hook, though modest in size, represented conscious design and functionality. “I love how Attaché went viral for their relatable content,” she adds with a laugh. “I really hate leaving my bags on the floor!”

Sustainable Beauty as Ritual

Her beauty choices carried the same sense of intention. Her cosmetics used locally made formulations that balanced efficacy with skin and environmental health, while hair and skincare focused on ritual and longevity over quick fixes. “These are luxury products,” she admits, “so they’re my ultimate treats—but they align with a more meaningful idea of beauty that connects wellbeing with mindfulness.”

Admiration for an Industry

As for the event itself, the Emmys offered more than glamour. “Being among so many successful individuals, each with their own distinct style, was striking,” she reflects. The experience provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into fashion’s ecosystem—from artisans and designers to stylists and production teams. “It’s an extremely competitive field, and succeeding in it calls for immense dedication. I have such admiration for that.”

Redefining the Spectacle

Her red-carpet presence, she notes, was about redefining what spectacle can mean. “I wanted to show that visibility and responsibility aren’t opposites,” she explains. “It wasn’t about grand gestures but about demonstrating a sustained commitment to material integrity, craftsmanship, and thoughtful consumption.”

On the State of Sustainable Fashion

When asked about the current state of sustainability in fashion, she remains pragmatic. “The industry is at a crossroads,” she says. “Awareness has grown, but many initiatives remain surface-level. Real change demands integrating transparency and sustainability at every stage—from sourcing to production and distribution.” For her, the future lies in a cultural shift that reshapes how value itself is defined.

A Personal Philosophy of Conscious Style

And for those wishing to make more responsible choices in their own wardrobes, her advice is simple yet profound: “Sustainability begins with curiosity,” she says. “It’s not about deprivation—it’s about understanding where things come from, caring for what you have, and choosing what endures.”

Fotoğraf: Natasha Wilson
Saç: Maison d'Emilie’den Hasi
Makyaj: Ingrid Reyes, Ocean Beauty Cosmetics ürünleri ile