Oscars 2013: Helen Hunt shuns Couture fashion in favor of H&M dress

Helen Hunt surprised the Oscars fashion police last night by shunning Haute Couture creations in favor of a gown by high street store, H&M.

The navy blue strapless dress is from the fast fashion chain’s eco-friendly Conscious collection, and is totally green, the actress told E! host Ryan Seacrest.

Although the gown was a budget choice, the addition of an embellished pin in the back with $700,000 worth of diamonds, meant its value far exceeded that of the gowns worn by other stars present.

The actress is the first to wear H&M to the Oscars, but she is not the first to wear it on a red carpet.

Michelle Williams, Amanda Seyfried Viola Davis and Kristen Davis are already fans of the Exclusive Glamour line, from the eco-friendly Conscious collection, which launched last April.

Miss Williams wore a gold-and-black gown to the BAFTAs last February, while Amanda Seyfried wore a bright blue tuxedo short suit to the In Time premiere in London in October 2011.
Not only does the collection boast rich colours, interesting silhouettes and delicate embellished detailing, but it has impressive eco credentials with every piece fashioned from recycled polyester, organic cotton and hemp.

Bond girl and Brit actress Naomie Harris was also an eco warrior at last night’s ceremony, wearing a gown as part of the Red Carpet Green Dress Challenge.

The mustard-coloured creation was designed by Ghana-born Michael Badger, a fashion design student at Savannah College of Art and Design, who was mentored throughout the design process by Vivienne Westwood.

The gown is made from certified organic silk crepe de chine using recycled zippers, vintage glass beads and chocolate candy wrappers. The dress was dyed with goldenrod and chamomile and was inspired by volcanoes and the appearance of flowing lava.