Luxe Lineup: Stella McCartney FW 26/27

McCartney’s Fall/Winter show was debuted at Société Équestre de Paris, an equestrian arena in Paris, France where models walked alongside horses. A common theme in McCartney’s shows and promotions, further associating the brand’s relationship to animals. 

Being a 100% cruelty free company, the designer promotes innovative vegan materials built to stand the test of time and keep animals out of fashion. This show was no different, showcasing leathers made from wine grape waste, wools made from a plant fermentation process, and reused/deadstock denims. 

The looks in this collection were classic McCartney with oversized pieces tailored to the max, stiff vegan leathers accentuating billowing silhouettes, and a neutral color palette cut with shocks of bright red, hot pink, cobalt blue, or neon yellow. The show featured a mix of wearable and bizarre, from “fur”-lined suits, sweaters, and denim to sheer tanks, sequined peplum mini dresses, and draping wool tunics resembling loose bundles of yarn. 

While the brand is incredibly innovative with materials and message, they seem to show predictable styles each runway season. A limited collection consisting of great denim and new and fascinating fruit leathers is shown on models who are kept natural and there is a kitschy graphic tank to end the show. We have come to expect a certain style from Stella McCartney that works for the brand and the consumer, yet makes the shows a bit lackluster. Due to this, the show has earned the rating of everything but the fit.