Samata Pattinson

Samata Pattinson is a British-born Ghanaian entrepreneur and CEO of BLACK PEARL, a consulting firm at the forefront of cultural sustainability. With a deep commitment to connecting people, planet, and purpose, she has led transformative initiatives across fashion and entertainment.

Previously the driving force behind Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD), Samata brought sustainable fashion to the Oscars, working with talent such as Zoe Saldana, Tati Gabrielle, Emma Roberts, Lakeith Stanfield, Billie Eilish, and Maggie Baird. Her work has championed circular fashion, recycling, and representation of indigenous designers on global stages. As CEO of BLACK PEARL, Samata leads as the sustainable fashion partner for The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, helping shape sustainability in entertainment. She authored The Sustainable Style Guide for Everyone for the Academy and created simplified guides for the 95th and 96th Annual Academy Awards. Her leadership extends to talent and production support, including workshops on sustainable practices for directors, costume designers, and actors.

A respected thought leader in climate and education, Samata has contributed to the sustainability curriculum at Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership and taught or mentored at institutions such as Yale School of the Environment, UC Berkeley, Parsons, Central Saint Martins, and ESMOD Paris. Samata is a sought-after speaker on sustainability and fashion’s role in the climate crisis. She has addressed audiences at COP26, COP27, and COP28, and delivered testimony at the Washington State House on the environmental impact of the fashion industry. She also featured in Billie Eilish’s Overheated documentary and played a key role in shaping the Overheated London Festival. Samata currently serves on the boards of the Hollywood Climate Summit, LA Climate Week, and Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), she advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in sustainability conversations. She was named a “Champion of Change” in 2024 on VOGUE Business’ Innovator 100 List and recognized on LOHAS Magazine’s Green Women Power List 100. Beyond public speaking and leadership, Samata is an accomplished author and creative. She has published The Fashion Designer’s Resource Book and THE TRIBE Empowerment Journal. She is also a TED speaker and producer of the documentary Texas, USA, continuing to use storytelling as a tool for impact.