Discover Stella McCartney’s FW21 collection of dynamic essentials with eco credentials

Stella McCartney has long been inspired by the great outdoors. Since 2001, when she established her namesake label in London, the designer has committed to creating polished clothing that is kind to both people and planet. And, with each collection, McCartney has strived to improve the sustainable credentials of her garments, from utilitarian cashmere sweaters, crafted from regenerated fibers, to business-appropriate shirts cut from vegan-friendly silk and vegan-leather bags.

This conscious ethos began during childhood, when McCartney was growing up in a vegetarian household with her mother Linda, who was an avid supporter of animal rights. After studying at Central Saint Martins in London and later working at Chloé in Paris, she launched her brand with one clear missive: to challenge perceptions of eco fashion, combining a sleek, chic, undeniably luxury aesthetic and a commitment to cruelty-free fabrics.

This season, McCartney’s love for the natural world inspired a collection that took its references from the slopes, from the athletic functionality of skiwear to dramatic mountain scenery. Indeed, such picturesque vistas are splashed across the label’s now-cult Smile sweater, where sunny rainbows overlook dreamy Alpine views – which is why this collection is sure to add an element of alfresco escapism to off-duty days.

Ever focused on the importance of betterment, McCartney unveiled her A to Z manifesto last year– a manual that reinforced the brand’s codes and which acts as a blueprint for ongoing sustainable development. In line with this, Fall/Winter 2021 is Stella McCartney’s most eco collection to date – with 80 percent of fibers used being recycled or responsibly sourced.

Dresses and jackets mesh technical aesthetics with an effortless, everyday mood; think evening-ready minis and midi-length coats with utilitarian color-pop pockets and zippers that cinch at the waist with ribbon-like webbing. Teamed with sneakers or chunky-heeled boots, these are pieces that create a refreshing palate cleanser from the usual heavyweight winter woollens in your wardrobe.

Classic cold-weather pieces are also reinterpreted with a contemporary flair. Puffers feature waist-tie belts and jackets that draw inspiration from outdoorsy fleeces will prove to be cozy staples you’ll wear on repeat. Simply dress down with jeans or pair with tailored pants, to add a down-to-earth mood to your working wardrobe.

Sweaters – a mainstay in the winter closet – are suitably oversized for maximum coziness, from the more traditional Aran knits that you’ll want to wear forever to directional pieces with architectural hemlines – and the brightly hued intarsia pieces that will inject a little life into even the grayest of new-season days. Such effortless, eco pieces are sure to instill joy each time you open your closet – day after day, season after season.