By Alexei Key
At Paris Fashion Week, Stella McCartney‘s Summer 2025 show was more than a runway—it was a rallying cry. With Helen Mirren’s voice setting the tone through a ‘Save What You Love’ manifesto, inspired by Jonathan Franzen’s The End of the End of the Earth, the collection soared as a tribute to birds and a plea for their protection. Models carried the Stella Times, a newspaper highlighting the brand’s vision and commitment, making it clear that this was fashion with a message.
The collection reworked ideas of power and sensuality, blending them with sport-infused details. Soft shades dominated, punctuated by bursts of red and sky blue. The spotlight was on the new Stella Ryder bag, a vegan piece crafted to mimic the curve of a horse’s back—a nod to McCartney’s lifelong love of horses. Handcrafted in Italy, it’s set to become the brand’s next icon, much like the Falabella bag did 15 years ago.
Tailoring took center stage with strong-shouldered jackets and slim blazers in classic Stella neutrals. They were paired with flowing trousers and shorts that played with volume and movement. Fluid draping appeared in halter minis and gowns, while ruching added texture to bombers and sheer dresses, giving them a wing-like appearance. Knitted dresses with frayed edges and lace cut-outs hinted at vintage lingerie, adding a touch of nostalgia.
Bird motifs were woven throughout—literally. Hand-painted dove prints adorned organic silk pieces, and mesh bodysuits featured silk origami birds. In a unique collaboration with 886 by The Royal Mint, abstract dove sculptures were crafted from gold and silver recovered from electronic and medical waste. It’s sustainability taken to a new level, transforming discarded materials into wearable art.
The footwear made its own statement. The Rasant trainers, a unisex design created with adidas, took cues from vintage racing shoes and Stella’s own archives—specifically a style from her first collection back in 2001. Crafted entirely from vegan materials, they bridged the gap between performance and high fashion, echoing the ongoing partnership’s commitment to innovation without compromise.
Fabrics told a story of responsibility. Over 91% of the ready-to-wear pieces were made from conscious materials. Cloud-like knits came from recycled nylon, and perforated vegan leather offered a fresh take on outerwear and accessories. A standout was the silver edition of the Stella Ryder bag, made from Hydefy—a groundbreaking material derived from fungi and sugarcane. It’s a world-first, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable luxury.
Stella McCartney’s dedication to cruelty-free fashion isn’t new, but this collection amplified it. By avoiding leather, feathers, and fur, the brand highlights the environmental and human costs associated with traditional materials. With over a billion animals killed annually for leather and significant deforestation linked to cattle farming, the choice to use alternatives isn’t just ethical—it’s essential.
As the show concluded, it was clear that McCartney isn’t just designing clothes; she’s crafting a movement. The Summer 2025 collection isn’t just about what we’ll wear next season—it’s about shaping the future we want to see. Fashion, in this context, becomes a platform for change, and Stella McCartney is leading the charge.
