Who else but Stella McCartney is able to demonstrate a real love for nature and animals through her collections and stay true to the same idea for so many years? In her Fall 2023 collection she has once again proved that you can be both creative and sustainable.
The collection was showcased in a horse school with seven white Camargue horses that ran, rolled-around and played with their trainer during the catwalk at The Manège de l’Ecole Militaire, in Paris. Named “Horse Power” the collection echoed wild beauty and chiselled shapes in every garment. McCartney was one of the first designers to refuse animal leather and furs by replacing them with bio materials that don’t harm animals and nature but also have the same look and durability.
The 56 pieces showcased in the Winter 23 collection were filled with subdued colours, meticulously tailored suits and innovative bio leather and fur accessories and garments. The moulded drop-shoulder double-breasted madras print jacket in warm caramel shades was paired with over the knee black boots and epitomised the simplicity and depth of the collection. Despite its familiar oversized silhouette and the check print, the whole look seemed magnetic. That print with wide and thin lines created visual segregation that emphasised shoulders, waist and hips. McCartney used lines not only in prints but also in chains. The metallic chain trousers were made of spiral, flat, curb and cable chains that connected together as if the models were wearing all their necklaces on your legs. The look was paired with a long straight-cut duchess double breasted navy coat and a knit sweater in the same tone. Sleek black leather-look loafers have the chain elements on both the edge of the sole and the top.
Stella McCartney is not only a prominent designer but also an innovator, she uses Mylo leather, made of mushrooms in accessories and garments which no one before her has done. A dress made of bio Microsilk fabric, which has the same characteristics to real silk, was presented at the New York MoMa in 2017. And to this collection she added MIRUM, a 100% renewable material, and AppleSkin leather made of apple. I personally look up to her innovative approach and creativity; just watching her shows online opens up new information about biomaterials you’ll never have heard of before.
Stella McCartney’s Fall 2023 show continues her legacy as the frontrunner in sustainable fashion. She once again manages to combine style with a message for us all.
