THE Stella McCartney woman has a laidback approach to life. But that doesn’t stop her shying away from bold sartorial selections – her styled nonchalance is always fashionable and feminine. There’s a clever infusion of strength and softness in her attire – a mindset which was emphasised as a key point in framing her outlook for SS19. Yesterday, Stella McCartney unveiled her latest ready-to-wear collection in Paris. Across a blossoming variety of ensembles constructed for the high heat, this was an assured outpour of the Brit-designer’s comfortability. News alert: McCartney is on a blossoming journey towards her own signature contemporary clothing. And we’re prepping to buy it all.
McCartney’s planted summer seeds were quick to grow. The show opened with feminine, floral attire, but girlish? Not totally, for it was structured into a daringly low-cut, swim-style jumpsuit. With a polished silhouette, summer was instantly heralded – Stella was heading for the beach. And given her embracement of flower power, the opening message was clear: pave the way for print. Tie-die was the subsequent turn, constructed into simple cotton t-shirts, denim jumpsuits and wide-legged trousers. Forget Paris –a stride by the seashore in simple, summer tailoring was a much more apt scene.
Then came the pour of earthly pastels – suited and booted. Boyfriend-structured blazers seemed to be the favoured style, finishing off boyish suits in linen and viscose that spoke of cargoes and flight. Formal tone aside, her female models strode with complete ease. But males soon surfaced, too. McCartney maintained a synonymous palette and pattern for their attire, serving up the phrase masculine-meets-feminine quite literally. But this was a celebration of elevation, to be frank. Her concluding set of dresses which centred around pretty pleats and ethereal shades was enough to prove that. Stella was on cloud nine – classy and comfortable alike.
There was a pulsing sense of ease throughout this collection, and that wasn’t just down to the clothes. Earlier this year, it was revealed that McCartney is now the sole owner of her brand, having bought out the 50 per cent previously under Kering’s name. So calling it a collection of total independence it pretty fitting. Safe to say, McCartney is unchallenged for SS19. An exciting journey for her fashioned women lies ahead, so celebrations are in order.
by Faye Fearon