LEE GREEN: Livia Firth wears British designer Gary Harvey's dress to Oscars (From News Shopper)

Livia Firth, wife of actor Colin, wears ethical Gary Harvey gown to Oscars

11:14am Monday 28th February 2011 in News By Kelly Smale

COLIN Firth may have won an Oscar but it was his wife who left everyone speechless in an eco-dress created by a Lee Green designer.

Livia, aged 41, graced the red carpet on Sunday wearing a dress by Gary Harvey as part of her Green Carpet Challenge to convince people to wear ethical, sustainable and green fashion.

Mr Harvey, who grew up in Eltham and now lives in Lee Green, bought 20 vintage dresses before choosing 11 of them to create the garment.

The former Crown Woods School pupil spent between £20 to £250 on each dress, which he bought from Brick Lane, charity shops in Eltham High Street and 360 Degrees Vintage in Greenwich Market.

Mr Harvey, aged 45, said: “I wanted to create something which was in my style using recycled clothing but something which was timely and had a nod towards the era of glamour of the film (The King’s Speech).”

He added: “We had lots of conversations about colour. We were inspired by a dress from her grandmother’s closet which had been handed down.”

Mother and daughter Kit Allen and Lynn Burgess have run 360 degrees Vintage for 15 years.

Mrs Burgess, of Orlon Crescent, Bexleyheath, said: “Part of the back of Livia’s gown is the back piece of the dusky pink dress he bought from us.

“It’s absolutely beautiful. She looks stunning.”

Mr Harvey, who spent four weeks making the dress, said: “Each piece is unique so someone who wears one of my dresses knows no one else will ever wear it.”

He added: “People are too quick to throw something away. Everyone should start to consider recycling their clothes.”