Some may know her as the daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney, while others may know her as a mother of four. However, Stella McCartney is best known for her fashionable yet sustainable collections in the fashion industry. Stella not only created her own self-image, but she made her own business by combining her two favorite things: fashion and activism.
Stella McCartney is a British fashion designer born to Beatle Paul McCartney and musician, photographer, and activist, Linda McCartney. Stella studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins and eventually was appointed creative director of Chloé. Later she created her own fashion house in 2001 with the help of Kering (formally known as Gucci Group) and started a family.
The fashion industry can be a difficult place for animal activists because of the heavy use of fur and leather, but Stella used this to her advantage. She knew that although animal skin is beautiful, it is an animal’sskin. Not ours. Stella understands how difficult this can be for consumers today. This is why in her latest collection Stella created what she calls “skin-less skin”, fabrics identical to animal skin but without the negative aspects.
Stella’s entire show was cruelty free and environmentally friendly. She did not use fur or leather, but instead used materials like recycled polyester and recycled nylon. Aside from the cruelty free aspect of her show, Stella used her models and clothes to express how fun fashion really is. Stella showed real girls laughing and dancing together down the runway. By doing this, Stella reminded us that girls can have fun while saving the planet.
Watch part of Stella McCartney's latest show here.