Stella McCartney Is Channelling Nature and Childhood For Her Next SS23 Collection
We may still be in the height of Spring 2022, but Stella McCartney already has us prepped for next Spring as she introduces her Ready-To-Wear collection. Rooted in themes of rewilding and rechilding, this collection is made for the untamed Stella woman living freely in harmony and nature.
Inspired by naturalist Miriam Rothschild and Horsham’s Knepp Farm, who allowed their land to rebalance itself and restore wildlife without any disturbances, McCartney is working with ecologist Derek Gow to rewild her own farm as native flora and fauna inspire her latest collection. Capturing naivety, nostalgia and innocence, the collection highlights the form of rechilding to playfully restore our inner child through fashion to confidently wear what you want. Sticking true to the brand’s sustainable morals, the garments have been made from 85% responsible materials – marking McCartney’s most sustainable collection to date.
With a botanical mood-lifting colour palette of sunflower yellow, rose pink, poppy red and lime green, the line features hand-drawn prints of British animals on forest-friendly viscose satin, including deer, hedgehogs, badgers, hares and extinct lynx. The wildlife continues with English bird species sported on jersey vests and screen-printed trousers, and tiger prints on recycled polyester oversized coats and denim pieces.
If you’re waiting for the dress rundown, then look no further as the collection sees double-satin dresses with deep necklines and petal-like cut-outs and a bodycon sunflower yellow compact knit exploding into silk bubble skirts. Barely-there strappy dresses arrive in poppy red and lily white, must-have staples for your wardrobe, alongside hand-crocheted flowers stitched together into patchwork numbers. We also say hello to new glamour with gold lurex body-skimming dresses, with V necklines, covered in sheer mesh, and double-satin black mini dresses with diamond belting.
For those taking a more casual attire route, SS23 praises plant-based light-wash denim with vintage-effect floral digital printing, masculine workwear trousers, knit jumpers and navy wool cape coats. The footwear offering also deserves a notable mention with the S-Wave 1 and 2 trainers, crafted from plant-based alternatives to animal leather repurposed from grape waste, puffy-soled Air Slides and strappy Cowboy styles on wooden block heels – the Elyse platform shoe is also revisited as a playful vegan clog!
Let’s not forget the abundance of accessories including the Frayme bag, energised with a springtime tonal palette, and crossbodies and totes, recognisable for their wraparound chunky chain and medallion. The S-Wave bag is also reimagined in two new styles, with exceptional details including the hardware reflecting the “S” on top-handle crossbodies. Lastly, the signature S-Wave baguette bag returns in fun silver metallic, monogram and quilted editions.
The designer has also incorporated fully circular aspects, including an ECONYL regenerated nylon parka that can be returned and recycled at the end of its life. As always, Spring 2023 is free from animal leather, feathers and furs, whilst also featuring forest-friendly fabrics, whether organic, recycled or regnerated.
Say hello to versatility with this collection, as Stella McCartney offers something for every event of the season!
