Helen Mirren lent her iconic presence to Stella McCartney's Paris Fashion Week show, not as a mere spectator, but as the opening act. The event, held at the Centre Pompidou, commenced with Mirren's spoken rendition of The Beatles' classic, "Come Together". This performance, described as less a performance and more a manifesto, set the stage for a collection deeply rooted in themes of humanity, animals, and environmental consciousness.
McCartney's commitment to sustainable fashion was unmistakable, with the collection boasting 98% sustainable materials and a 100% cruelty-free approach. Eschewing leather, fur, feathers, and exotic skins, the collection showcased innovative materials such as FEVVERS, a plant-based alternative to feathers, and PURE.TECH, a programmable fabric designed to absorb air pollutants. McCartney stated backstage that the collection is about coming together – all humanity, all Mother Earth's creatures – now more than ever.
The show attracted a star-studded audience, including Johnny Depp and Cara Delevingne. Delevingne made her own Beatles-inspired statement by wearing a top displaying the title of the Beatles' song "Come Together". Other notable attendees included Robin Wright and Dylan Penn. Anna Wintour, a prominent figure in the fashion world, was also present.
McCartney's designs played with contrasts, blending masculine and feminine elements, as well as grounded and ethereal aesthetics. Deconstructed Savile Row tailoring was evident, with double-breasted jackets featuring sliced-open sides and dropped lapels, paired with pleated wide trousers and '80s Italian-inspired shirting. Cargo codes were revisited in the form of crisp minis adorned with airy crinoline.
The color palette transitioned from candy pinks, lavenders, and blues to more subdued tones like khaki, corporate gray, and pecan. Upcycling was a prominent feature, with denim waistbands creatively incorporated into dresses, bags, and platform shoes. Sequins added sparkle to Falabella clutches and hand-embroidered denim. Evening wear was pared down, featuring sculptural satin gowns and corseted draping enhanced by the innovative feather substitute.
The collection encapsulated McCartney's signature aesthetic: a fusion of eco-conscious innovation, '80s-influenced power dressing, and activist messaging tempered with British wit. While some critics suggest that the campaigning aspect occasionally overshadows the clothing, the show reaffirmed McCartney's unique ability to blend spectacle and conscience, sustainability and desirability. She challenges her audience to envision a fashion industry that not only dresses the body but also actively contributes to healing the planet.
The Summer 2025 runway show was inspired by Jonathan Franzen's book "The End of the End of the Earth" and was a "Save What You Love" manifesto narrated by Helen Mirren. The collection was crafted without harming any creatures and using 91% conscious materials. Models carried Stella Times newspapers that had information on the collection.
