Stella McCartney SS23 – Paris Fashion Week

In true Stella McCartney style, the Centre Pompidou piazza served as the vivid stage for her new SS23 show at Paris Fashion Week.  Called the ‘most responsible collection to date,’ the story presented was not only a sumptuous fusion of fashion and sustainability, but also an exhibition of fine art in collaboration with legendary Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara.  As we have seen with McCartney’s past fascinations with the work of Frank Stella, art and her eye for creative design always guarantees a treat for the senses.

Reminiscent of McCartney’s Chloé 2000 era, the show opened with metallic body chains peeking out from under masculine oversized double-breasted blazers and worn over simple white tank tops for a contrast of sensuality and formality.  Barely there fishnet stocking high heels brought a hint of sultry boudoir to the mix, while Nara’s wide-eyed girl graphic illustrations on ivory dresses with edgy asymmetrical hems and activist ‘Change the History’ slogans on deconstructed knitted sweaters offered different sides to the narrative.

Colours were softly muted, with sheen, shimmer and metallic detailing adding different dimensions to the palette on offer.  Occasionally, sherbet yellows, lime greens and dusty pinks would change the focus and grab the attention.

When things transitioned to evening glamour the lines came with more drama and the cut-outs became more revealing. Catwalk icon Bella Hadid stunned in a sheer one piece embellished with lead-free crystals, while big sister Gigi flashed some midriff in a smart black dinner suit featuring a cropped jacket, loose, relaxed trousers and more chain detailing laced through the belt loops.

Regenerated nylon, organic denim and vegan alternatives to leather were just some of the supporting actors to the main cast that have now become standard for McCartney.  In fact, an estimated 87% of the collection was manufactured using only responsible materials, including luxury fashion’s first-ever T-Shirt made from regenerative cotton.  Because if you’re Stella McCartney, why be a market leader in just one area when a second is this attainable.

For more information on Stella McCartney SS23, click here

Click here to read the Vivienne Westwood Paris Fashion Week review