“THE WORLD is crying out for change and it is our responsibility to act now,” wrote Stella McCartney on a leaflet given to each attendee before her show. Instead of a press release, McCartney presented the audience with a progressive timeline of sustainable practices in fashion over the last two decades.
In the present climate, sustainability has become an issue the fashion industry can no longer ignore – a push in the industry to be more transparent with material sourcing and energy consumption has made the issue of unsustainable practices undoubtedly become one of the most pressing considerations for both established and emerging designers these past fashion weeks.
While many designers are only now incorporating sustainable efforts for a greener collection, sustainability has remained a key idea at the core of the McCartney brand. Yet this season, the British designer has managed to go even greener – before the show McCartney confirmed that 75 per cent of the collection was made with zero impact materials such as recycled polyester, hemp, raffia and Econyl.
Beautiful and breath-taking, McCartney’s signature redefinition of power suits and tailoring are present throughout the collection, geometric prints and contrasting horizontal stripes create bold silhouettes that speak of both functionality and beauty. Having grown up in both London and the English countryside, McCartney’s background is forever present in the clothing she designs, wild flower prints are a feature on both billowing prairie dresses and mens suits.
This collection marks McCartney’s first since becoming a partner with LVMH. With the partnership, one can hope that McCartney’s determination for a sustainable future in the fashion industry impacts the luxury fashion conglomerate and its international influence.
by Mirabella Shahidullah