Stella McCartney’s eco-friendly fashion is fuelled by her innovative and tenacious spirit
The designer says ‘no’ to leather, fur and feathers, and works hard to come up with sustainable materials
Stella McCartney can’t resist a challenge. I would have challenged her to a selfie game at the end of our interview, but the fashion designer – looking radiant as ever despite her city-hopping, jet-setting itinerary – would have easily beaten me at it.
The rock legend heiress, mother of four and lifelong vegan was definitely racing against time. McCartney managed to pack our interview, a VIP cocktail and a dinner into her less than 12-hour transit in Hong Kong.
McCartney showed up for our interview in barely-there make-up, her hair tied back casually, with a smile that was warm yet demure. That effortless chic is not only how McCartney carries herself but also what has won her a fashion following.
“[My clothes] are subtle and chic but, at the same time, they make a good statement,” she says. “I want to find that balance and make things effortless and easier for men and women, but also with a point of view.”
Her eco-friendly ethos has surely made a strong fashion statement since its genesis 16 years ago. Challenging would be an understatement when it comes to describing her particular approach to the fashion business – after all, she’s chosen an uphill battle from the very beginning.
In recent years, she has introduced innovative textiles and business initiatives to boost sustainability. She has adapted the philosophy to various categories including accessories, eyewear, kids’ style and, more recently, menswear collections which debuted two seasons ago.
“We’re providing these [sustainable fashion] solutions for mindful and responsible women consumers that are also modern and chic,” she says. “So we need to provide that for our male consumers too. Nobody is delivering that in a luxurious way and that’s one thing that really inspires me to do menswear.”