Stella McCartney

Pioneering sustainable fashion brand

Summary

Stella McCartney is a pioneering sustainable fashion brand founded in 2001 by British designer Stella McCartney. Known for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, the brand has revolutionised luxury fashion by combining innovative, eco-friendly materials with contemporary design. Renowned for its animal-free approach, Stella McCartney offers a range of products, including clothing, accessories, and fragrances, while maintaining its focus on environmental consciousness and ethical practices.

History

Stella McCartney launched her eponymous brand in partnership with luxury conglomerate Kering (then Gucci Group) in 2001, with an ethos rooted in sustainable and cruelty-free fashion. As a lifelong vegetarian, McCartney was resolute in her decision to avoid leather and fur, which set the brand apart from its luxury counterparts. The inaugural collection was met with critical acclaim, establishing the brand as a trailblazer in ethical luxury.

In 2018, McCartney acquired full ownership of her brand from Kering, marking a significant turning point. This independence allowed the brand to deepen its focus on sustainability. In 2019, Stella McCartney entered into a partnership with LVMH to further develop her brand, while retaining a majority ownership. She will also serve as a special advisor on sustainability to Bernard Arnault and the conglomerate’s executive committee. Additionally, in January 2020, Stella became the first fashion designer ever to appear on the cover of Vogue USA.

Over the years, Stella McCartney has collaborated with leading organisations and researchers to develop cutting-edge materials, including mushroom leather and bio-fabricated silk, reinforcing its position as a leader in eco-friendly innovation. Stella McCartney’s collaborations have been instrumental in advancing sustainable fashion.

In 2014, the brand partnered with Adidas to launch Adidas by Stella McCartney, next-gen athleticwear engineered from innovative materials crafted from recycled ocean plastics and regenerated fibres. The partnership has continued to evolve, focusing on recycled and innovative textiles. The fashion brand has also collaborated with Bolt Threads, a biotechnology company, to develop Mylo™, a sustainable leather alternative made from mycelium (mushroom root structure).

Notable accomplishments include releasing the vegan STELLA fragrance and debuting a lingerie collection in 2008. In Winter 2009, the iconic Falabella bag was introduced, distinguished by a hand-laced cotton and diamond-cut chain detail – the vegan accessory is now of Stella McCartney’s bestselling collections. In the same year, Stella McCartney Kids was introduced, and the sustainable fashion house expanded into eco-friendly eyewear in 2011.

The first-ever Stella McCartney menswear collection launched in Spring 2017 and Stella designed the first-ever vegan Stan Smith trains in Autumn 2018. That year, she also launched the Stella McCartney Cares Foundation – a non-profit charity platform devoted to dually supporting sustainability and breast cancer awareness, two causes especially close to the designer’s heart.

In 2021, Stella McCartney joined forces with Evrnu to create garments using NuCycl™, a regenerated fibre made from textile waste. This initiative underscores the brand’s dedication to circular fashion and reducing waste. Further partnerships with Canopy, a non-profit organisation focused on forest conservation, ensure that the brand’s viscose supply chain adheres to the highest sustainability standards. Additionally, collaborations with ECONYL® and Re.Verso® have enabled the incorporation of recycled nylon and wool into the brand’s collections, significantly reducing the environmental footprint.

Cementing her position as an innovation leader in 2021, Stella was invited by HRH The Prince of Wales’ Sustainable Markets Initiative to attend the G7 Summit and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), where she hosted a Future of Fashion material innovations exhibit. Stella McCartney was the only fashion designer to attend COP26, the global climate change summit, launching the travelling “Future of Fashion” exhibit. She attended the G7 UK conference and signed the Terra Carta treaty. In the same year, she released the world’s first-ever vegan football boot, in collaboration with adidas and Paul Pogba, and the world’s first Mylo™️ mycelium leather garments and runway bag.

In 2022, Stella released the world’s first-ever commercially available Mylo™ luxury handbag crafted from mycelium and continued to innovate nature-positive material innovations. She also launched STELLA by Stella McCartney – a vegan and cruelty-free skincare range crafted from over 99% natural ingredients. Stella also became a co-founder of the SOS Fund, investing in next-gen start-ups at the grassroots level to support nature-positive solutions and innovations. This commitment to pioneering a conscious luxury movement continued with Stella’s vocal support of The Fashion Act policy in New York as well as the launch of STELLA by Stella McCartney skincare, an entirely vegan, 99% natural beauty range in partnership with LVMH.

In 2023, Stella debuted the world’s first-ever luxury products crafted from BioSequins and regenerative cotton. Today, Stella McCartney spans women’s ready to wear, unisex capsules, kids’ clothing, accessories, swimwear, lingerie, a performance wear collaboration with adidas, STELLA skincare and more – with 48 directly owned stores and 21 franchise stores across New York City, London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. Our collections are now sold in 77 nations through 863 specialty shops and department stores, and ship to 100 countries via online.

Vision

Stella McCartney envisions a fashion industry where luxury and sustainability coexist seamlessly. Her brand is built on the belief that style and ethics can go hand in hand, challenging traditional norms of luxury fashion. Central to this vision is a commitment to creating innovative, desirable products that leave a minimal environmental footprint while remaining true to her lifelong vegetarian and cruelty-free principles. McCartney’s brand strives to redefine what luxury means, prioritizing ethical practices and environmental consciousness as fundamental elements of its identity.

A significant part of Stella McCartney’s vision is fostering transparency and accountability across the fashion supply chain. By advocating for sustainable materials, reducing waste, and partnering with leading innovators in eco-friendly technology, the brand aims to inspire both consumers and industry leaders to adopt more responsible practices. McCartney believes that collaboration with scientists, environmentalists, and fellow designers can help drive the innovation necessary to make the entire industry more sustainable, paving the way for a circular economy in fashion.

Stella McCartney also aims to empower and educate future generations about the importance of sustainable fashion. Her vision extends beyond her brand to influencing global consumer behaviour, encouraging individuals to make conscious choices that align with the well-being of the planet. Through this, McCartney hopes to leave a lasting legacy, where sustainable fashion becomes the norm rather than the exception, bridging the gap between luxury, ethics, and environmental responsibility.

Mission Statement

Stella McCartney’s mission is to create desirable products that do not harm animals or the planet. The brand is committed to using alternative materials and ethical practices to redefine luxury fashion. It aims to build a global movement for sustainable and responsible fashion by fostering innovation, collaboration, and education within the industry and beyond.

Products and Services

Stella McCartney’s product portfolio includes women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, fashion accessories, footwear, lingerie, and fragrances. The brand is celebrated for its timeless yet contemporary designs, emphasising quality craftsmanship and sustainable materials. Notable collections include seasonal runway shows, capsule collaborations, and exclusive eco-friendly designs. Services such as custom tailoring and online shopping further enhance the brand’s appeal, ensuring accessibility without compromising its commitment to sustainability.

Autumn 2025 is a study in Stella McCartney’s rock ‘n roll heritage, diving into her inspirational parents, personal archive and activism for Mother Earth. Statement details and silhouettes reference Paul and Linda McCartney’s shared wardrobes, grounded by a palette of berry tones and rich textures. A rockstar sex appeal and glamour can be seen across hand-placed embroideries on 70s tailoring, organic cotton denim and dresses, alongside tactile loop knits and vegan alternatives to suede.

The brand’s newest vegan bag is the Ryder. A mastery of cruelty-free craftsmanship, the Ryder’s sculptural silhouette honours the strength, beauty and power of  the horse. The campaign is photographed on Sarah Snook, an Australian actor known for her award-winning portrayal of Shiv Roy on Succession. In 2024, she won an Olivier Award for The Picture of Dorian Gray on London’s West End, which she will be bringing to New York City’s Broadway in March 2025.

Awards and Recognition

Stella McCartney has received numerous accolades for its contributions to sustainable fashion. In 2017, the brand was honoured with the Special Recognition Award for Innovation at the British Fashion Awards. It has also been recognised by the United Nations for its efforts in promoting sustainable practices within the fashion industry. In 2023, Stella was honoured with a CBE, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, by His Royal Highness King Charles III in recognition of her services to fashion and sustainability.

Stella was appointed Team Great Britain’s Creative Director for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London by adidas, marking the first time in the history of the games that a leading fashion designer has designed the apparel for a country’s team across all Olympic competitions. In 2016, she unveiled her first full swimwear collection, launched the new STELLA POP fragrance and was invited to be Creative Director for Team Great Britain again for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

Key Team

  1. Stella McCartney – Founder and Creative Director
  2. Frederic Speirs – Chief Executive Officer
  3. Claire Bergkamp – Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer
  4. Lucy Yeomans – Chief Digital and Marketing Officer
  5. Kate Travers – Chief Financial Officer
  6. Dr. Fabrizio Freda – Non-Executive Board Member

References

  1. “Stella McCartney”. Vogue (in Spanish). 
  2. “Rose E. Frisch, Scientist Who Linked Body Fat to Fertility, Dies at 96”. The New York Times.
  3. “Secret History of Paul McCartney, the Jewish Beatle”. The Forward. 
  4.  Roots and remembrance: explorations in Jewish genealogy. Ontario Genealogical Society.
  5. “Stella Mccartney Wants Son To Go Private”. Contactmusic.com
  6. “Stella Mccartney – Stella Looks For Private School”. Contactmusic.com.
  7. “Chronicle”. The New York Times
  8. “Stella McCartney’s fake-fur coats are worlds away from the brutal fur trade”. The Guardian.
  9. “”We Must Act Now”: This Stella McCartney Capsule Supports Greenpeace’s Efforts To Save The Amazon”. British Vogue
  10. “Thigh high boots by Stella McCartney, c.2005”. V&A Search the Collections
  11. “Chloé’s Most Revered Designers, From Karl Lagerfeld to Stella McCartney”. W Magazine.
  12. “Stella McCartney in Houston”. riveroaksdistrict.com.
  13. “Care by Stella McCartney at Sephora”. Sephora.com
  14. “Stella Mccartney Kids Collection”. MY MALL MAGAZINE
  15. “Stella McCartney unveils collection inspired by ‘the men in my life'”. The Guardian
  16. “Stella McCartney’s debut menswear fashion line inspired by her dad”. Executivestyle.com.au
  17. “Stella McCartney buys Kering’s 50% stake in her fashion label”. The Guardian
  18. “Stella McCartney Teams Up With LVMH, in Plot Twist in Luxury Wars (Published 2019)”. The New York Times
  19. “Stella McCartney Is Selling Just 46 Replicas of Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding Reception Dress”. Elle
  20. “STELLA MCCARTNEY CARES FOUNDATION: BRITISH DESIGNER ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF BREAST CANCER CHARITY”. The Independent.