Spotlight On: Stella McCartney
As one of the world’s finest female fashion designers, Stella McCartney’s sharp yet feminine pieces are instantly recognisable for their timeless chic appeal.
“Stella’s style has been influential because she is her customer” – Tom Ford
About Stella McCartney
There aren’t many students who would have world renowned super models Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Yasmin Le Bon take to the runway to model their collection…. at graduation.
After graduating from world renowned Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design in 1995, Stella McCartney had that well publicised debut collection quickly bought up by London boutique Tokio.
In 1997, established and esteemed French fashion house Chloé hired McCartney as their new Creative Director (despite criticism from celebrated German designer and former Chloé Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld).
After four and a half successful years at Chloé, where she achieved both commercial and critical success – bringing a more feminine and romantic feel to the brand,which still resonates with Chloé pieces today – McCartney entered a joint venture with luxury powerhouse the PPR Luxury Group (formerly Gucci Group).
Since her debut collection under the Stella McCartney brand in Paris, October 2001, it has become one of the most talked about companies in fashion today.
Stella McCartney has continued to create an array of luxurious garments; beautiful scented perfumes; and not to mention the launch of her Stella McCartney Kids collection in late 2010 (…what could only be described as positively adorable).
A Cut Above
At Stella McCartney tailoring is always a matter of priority. McCartney has become renowned for her precision cuts, with her distinctly feminine yet sharp trousers and tuxedo jackets coveted by women of all ages.
While studying fashion, McCartney turned her attention to the craft of tailoring, honing her skills for world renowned Savile Row tailor Edward Sexton.
It was this time spent on Savile Row, learning and observing the philosophy of the ‘perfect cut’, that has now positioned McCartney as one of the world’s finest designers – creating timeless pieces perfect for the modern day woman.
The Fall 2012 Collection
Focused on merging city & country, and day & night; Stella McCartney pieces perfectly encapsulate how women want to dress.
Of the collection, McCartney said: “The Stella woman is about balance”.
Working mainly with a dark colour palette and an emphasis on vivid midnight blue, McCartney’s Fall 2012 collection played with the aesthetic of masculine and feminine; rough and soft. Fabrics with a tough sensibility – i.e. traditional English tweed –were made softer and more feminine; while iconic masculine pieces, such as the oxford shirt, were refined and reinterpreted.
With an unmistakable sporty feel (understandable considering McCartney has just revealed the official British Olympic team uniforms), the collection also placed an emphasis on chic comfort and understated elegance.
McCartney’s signature emphasis on tailoring was dressed up with beautiful botanical embroideries. Graphic white and black prints appeared strikingly against the brilliant blue.
Coats and tuxedo jackets appeared slightly oversized with unexpected detailing, such as asymmetrical zips, contrast panels, and oversized proportions. Trousers slouched from the hips, while shoulders were emphasized and waistlines highlighted. Luxe texture was also a feature, with chunky knit separates and dresses making an incredibly chic impression…
What do you think of Stella McCartney’s Fall 2012 collection? xx
Photos from style.com
You Can Leave Your Hat On
So far the runways have been topped with hats. From Ralph Lauren to Burberry, Rachel Zoe and more, it appears there will be a humble hat to suit every head for Fall.
The old adage: ‘If you want to get ahead and get noticed, then get a hat’ will certainly come into play for Fall. As the most eye-catching accessory you can wear, a hat instantly draws attention to your face.
At Ralph Lauren the collection took inspiration from Downton Abbey and featured glamorous 1920’s accents. Classic cloche hats were the perfect exclamation points to iconic boy-for-girl suits (a la Coco Chanel). Meanwhile at Burberry, heritage herringbone and tweed hats echoed the 1930’s / 40’s English ‘Town and Fields’ inspiration. While at Rachel Zoe it was the late 60’s which inspired various chic hat styles to appear on the Runway.
With vintage accents, a hat is a stylish & warm way to make an iconic statement for Fall…
Which is your favourite hat style?
Photos from style.com
Spotlight On- Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney Spotlight; Designer Profile; and Fall 2012 Collection Review Coming Soon…
1 Comment