Stella McCartney incorporated a myriad of uplifting themes and sustainable components into her SS21 collection, summarised in the brand’s newly-revealed A-Z manifesto. The designer recounts how she began mapping out the belief system of Stella McCartney, displaying what the brand stands for and how she wishes to re-shape the future, which she then broken down into the digestible A-Z format. In a post-show, virtual zoom forum, the designer listed out some of the letters and their associated words “A for Accountable, C for Conscious, O for Organic, S for Sustainable,” and the list goes on.
When responding to the question of how the pandemic had impacted her workflow, Stella spoke on the importance of introspection and self-reflection, considering how the industry would have shifted after the world was upended by the pandemic, “Why do I do what I do? Why do women come to the Stella McCartney house? What makes us different?”
There is colour and there is hope in this collection
Stella McCartney
During this period of reflection, the SS21 collection was born. The designer recounts feeling “energised” and “invigorated”, having discovered a new “fire in [her] belly to come back fighting.” These sentiments of renewed energy and hope perfectly encapsulate the SS21 collection, shown through a visually-rich short film shot by creative duo Mert and Marcus at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, England.
Graphic neutrals and earthy tones are juxtaposed with flaming reds and vivid pinks, softened by pastels, across flowing dresses with upcycled lace inserts, fluid, billowing trousers and athleisure-inspired pieces reminiscent of the Stella McCartney x Adidas collaborations of the past. “There has to be optimism. People have got to get dressed up, Jesus Christ, even if they’re just at home!,” the designer said.
Editor
Carina FischerCredit
Lead image: courtesy of Stella McCartney
