Izabella Miko Seizes the Spotlight
Photo credit: Witek Berkan
You most recently saw her in NBC’s “The Cape,” but Izabella Miko almost didn’t become an actress. Born in what was still Communist Poland to thespian parents, Izabella learned to dance at the same time that she learned to walk. At the age of 15 she was given a full scholarship to study in New York with the School of American Ballet, only to have injuries cut short her dance career.
Then, a fluke casting in a Lithuanian television movie took Izabella back to America again—this time to the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute—and roles in “Coyote Ugly,” “Bye Bye Blackbird” and HBO’s “Deadwood” shortly followed. We talked with Izabella from the Los Angeles set of “The Cape,” where she opened up about her obsessive environmentalism and non-profit EkoMiko Foundation. Part Four of Five.
EcoStiletto: Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. Do you ever wear eco-friendly clothing?
Izabella Miko: Especially when I do red carpet events, I try to wear something from an eco-designer. There aren’t that many amazing eco-designers out there but I’m working with a Polish designer, she made me a dress out of recycled teddy bear eyes.
ES: Oh my gosh! Have you worn it yet?
IM: Yes I actually wore it to the premiere of “The Cape.” It was so funny. They actually move when I move, so it’s kind of freaky. And it’s a statement, which is great. Because I was on “Extra” or something and I got to talk about being green and recycling. This is exactly what I want.
For me, it’s a conversation piece and something that I love to talk about it. Sometimes it’s more of a statement, some shock value—I’ll do it. Because I believe that if I have a voice I’m definitely going to use it for the right thing.
I’m a true believer in re-using clothes. I take old dresses to my tailor and he makes me new things that I designed. I never throw out anything. I have a big family and I give to everyone; some things I take to a homeless shelter. It would break my heart to have to throw anything out.
ES: What about vintage? Any thrift-store or online vintage finds you’re particularly proud of?
IM: Absolutely. I love vintage. Especially if I do wear leather, it’s got to be vintage. I won’t buy a leather jacket unless I find an old one in a vintage store. I love it. I love secondhand shops because you can really find unique things.
ES: Do you have any favorite eco-friendly fashion labels that you can share with us? What about the designer who made the eye dress?
IM: It’s Malgorzata Dudek. And there’s Vegan Queen, who makes good purses.
Want more? Our exclusive interview with Izabella Miko covers sexing up sustainability, one hot candle, eco-obsession, seizing the spotlight and going electric. Check back here next week!
Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff is EcoStiletto’s founder and editor. A mother of three who also blogs as Mommy Greenest, Rachel enjoys organic pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.
