Samata Pattinson is a British-born Ghanaian entrepreneur, recognized for her transformative work in design, fashion, education, music, and entertainment. As the CEO of BLACK PEARL, an organisation at the forefront of cultural sustainability, she connects people, communities, and the planet through innovative partnerships and initiatives. Samata is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, and her leadership continues to shape the intersection of fashion and environmental change.
The former CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD), Samata brought sustainability to the Oscars, creating a platform for eco-conscious fashion on one of the world’s biggest stages. She has collaborated with high-profile figures such as Zoe Saldana, Tati Gabrielle, Emma Roberts, Lakeith Stanfield, Billie Eilish, and Maggie Baird, pioneering conversations on circular fashion, recycling, and the importance of indigenous designers. Now, as CEO of BLACK PEARL, Samata leads the firm as the current sustainable fashion partner for The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, further solidifying her role in championing sustainability in the entertainment industry. She authored “The Sustainable Style Guide for Everyone”, and simplified guides for the 95th and 96th Annual Academy Awards. Pattinson was named a “Champion of Change” in 2024 by VOGUE Business’ Innovator 100 List. . Her expertise led to her being invited to Number 10 Downing Street to address two British Prime Ministers on sustainability, business and entrepreneurship.
Samata’s work in education is equally groundbreaking. She has contributed to sustainability curriculum at Cambridge University’s Institute of Sustainability Leadership, where she uses storytelling, collaboration, and innovation to educate the next generation of leaders. Her educational outreach extends globally, having taught at prestigious institutions such as Yale School of the Environment, Berkeley, Parsons, Central St. Martins, and ESMOD Paris. Through these programs, Samata mentors and empowers directors, costume designers, and talent to embrace sustainability in their work. Her work with The Academy includes delivering workshops for members of the motion picture community, guiding them on sustainable practices in design and film production.
Samata has been a prominent voice in global climate dialogues, speaking at key summits such as COP26, COP27, and COP28. She has also addressed the Washington State House of Representatives on the fashion industry’s environmental impact. As an advocate for the intersection of fashion and climate change, Samata has contributed to Billie Eilish’s Overheated documentary, alongside figures like Vivienne Westwood and Yungblud, and played a key role in developing the Climate and Fashion focus at Billie Eilish’s London Overheated Festival.
Her influence extends beyond education and climate advocacy into key leadership roles. She serves on the board for the Cambridge University’s Institute of Sustainability Leadership, Hollywood Climate Summit and LA Climate Week and holds advisory positions for Rothys’ Sustainability Council and The State of Fashion Advisory Council. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Samata continues to bridge the gap between environmentalism, fashion, and social justice, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion through her work. She is recognized as one of LOHAS Magazine’s Green Women Power List 100 for her contributions to sustainable change, and shares this honor with distinguished individuals such as Jane Goodall, Susan Rockefeller, Marina Abramović, Lil Miquela, Clare Farrell of Extinction Rebellion and Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu of UNFCCC.
She is also a producer of the critically acclaimed documentary Texas, USA, and continues to be an influential voice in global conversations about the role of fashion in addressing climate change. A published author of The Fashion Designer’s Resource Book (Bloomsbury, 2013) and THE TRIBE Empowerment Journal (2018), Samata is helping to rewrite the story of fashion, sustainability, and global responsibility. Pattinson delivered her inaugural TEDx talk in 2024, hosted the Global Fashion Agenda | Copenhagen Fashion Summit and chaired the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards in Milan in 2023 and 2024.