Billie Eilish makes history as Vogue’s first-ever video cover star for the January 2023 issue, utilizing the moment to focus on an issue extremely close to her heart: climate change. The 21-year-old musician and activist wears a sustainable Balmain ensemble from the spring/summer 2023 collection with her own triple-layered Pamela Love chainlink necklace in sterling silver.
The Balmain separates, including an off-the-shoulder deconstructed hourglass blazer and matching pants, are splashed with a celestial pattern inspired by designer Olivier Rousteing’s favorite Renaissance painters. Most importantly, they hail from a line of ready-to-wear and couture outfits made from paper, tree bark, banana leaf, raffia, wood, and other recycled fabrics, which is in line with Eilish’s own efforts – especially when it comes to fashion.
Eilish memorably came to an agreement with Oscar de la Renta’s creative directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim that she would attend the 2021 Met Gala as host in their design if the brand stopped selling fur. The corseted creation she ended up in was constructed from layers of peach tulle and had a 15-foot, floor-sweeping train. During her 2022 Happier Than Ever tour, Eilish also installed Eco-Villages to enlighten her fans about voting and environmental nonprofits.
It’s no surprise that she wanted to share her Vogue spotlight with a group of fellow climate organizers under 30, all of whom could relate. The “My Future” singer invited them on set to have a conversation about the ways in which they are each making a difference. Posing for director Mike Mills, the crew was styled by Tonne Goodman, who was sure to select clothing from responsible labels such as Bode, Chopova Lowena, Collina Strada, Mara Hoffman, Pangaia, Reformation, and Stella McCartney. One of the activists, artist Maya Penn, even wore her own upcycled blouse for the shoot – a piece from her ethical brand called Maya’s Ideas.
While Eilish rolls out her own merch regularly (she recently launched a limited-edition graphic tee in honor of her 21st birthday), she elaborates on her approach to Vogue: “I shouldn’t be making any products. I shouldn’t be selling anything. It’s just more shit to go into the landfill one day. I know that,” she says, continuing, “But no one’s going to stop wearing clothes. No one’s going to stop making stuff. So I just do it in the best way I possibly can.”
Ahead, watch Eilish’s moving cover, listen to the important discussion she leads in the 11-minute video, see her Balmain look’s initial debut on the runway, and shop a similar Pamela Love necklace.