Paris Fashion Week: Stella McCartney blends activism and fashion

Join us for humanity, animals, and Mother Earth — this was the message from the musical and activist legacy that opened Stella McCartney’s Summer 2026 collection, presented at the Centre Pompidou during Paris Fashion Week, CE Report quotes ANSA.

The show opened with Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren, who narrated the lyrics of the Beatles’ song Come Together, turning it into a powerful manifesto.

The Stella woman for SS26 is a successful mix of masculine and feminine styles. Her wardrobe features architectural contrasts and coexistence with nature, made with 98% conscious materials and 100% cruelty-free — no leather, feathers, fur, or exotic skins.

Yet, all those elements appear to be there — thanks to advanced eco-friendly materials. The collection introduces two innovations:

Fevvers: a feather-like plant-based alternative, light and full of movement, used in corset dresses.

Puro.Tech: the first programmable material that absorbs and neutralizes pollutants like CO₂ and NOx, actively cleaning the air while being worn — applied to deconstructed denim.

The color palette includes soft pink, lavender, blue, earthy khaki, business gray, and pecan tones. Cargo pants with airy crinoline hems, Savile Row-inspired double-breasted jackets, wide-leg pleated trousers, 80s-inspired sporty shirts, bombers, and lightweight knitwear walk the runway.

Highlights include hand-embroidered jeans, Falabella bags, sequin shirts, eveningwear with sculptural silhouettes, corsets, and flowing satin dresses. The Spiral Cornflower print is drawn, painted, and embroidered in Stella’s London atelier.

Hand-applied raffia knits and fringe add texture and volume.