Re-wearing or repeating red carpet outfits is something a number of celebrities have been warming up to in the past few years. The topic was brought to the attention of social media users once again last week, when Bengaluru’s own Ricky Kej posted a picture of himself wearing the same outfit to both the 2022 Grammy Awards and the ongoing Cannes Film Festival. Ricky, an environmentalist who won the award for United Nations’ Global Humanitarian Artiste in addition to being a multiple Grammy-winner, cleverly used the international platform to bring attention to a cause close to his heart. Along with a picture of himself in a deep blue sherwani at both events, he posted the caption: “Fast fashion isn’t always fashionable. Especially when we consider its impact on our planet (The fashion industry is one of the most polluting on the planet). The use of toxic textile dyes, cheap materials and massive use of  water translates to environmental pollution. For decades, repeating an outfit for galas and events would be considered a fashion blunder — encouraging people to switch up outfits for every event, making clothes ‘Single Use.’ It’s time to change that narrative. It’s time we consider our planet in this equation. Fashion Can Be Trendy Twice.” (sic)

It may not be an entirely novel concept. Princess Diana, one of the most influential fashion icons of the 20th century and whose style continues to be relevant well into the 21st, had done it as far back as the ’80s. Who can forget the Moschino houndstooth jacket — paired with a striped scarf in 1990 and with a solid black fabric two years later? 

In recent times, names like Kate Blanchett, Tiffany Haddish, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Lopez and Diana’s  own daughters-in-law —…