Stella McCartney collaborates with artist Yoshitomo Nara for a playful spin on laid-back luxury

As one of the fashion world’s chief disruptors, Stella McCartney has rewritten the rules around ethical fashion with her clever upcycling and innovative sustainable materials. As beloved for her relaxed, roomy tailoring as she is for slinky, silky separates, McCartney redefines dress codes with her unexpected combinations and directional but wearable designs.

For her spring/summer 2021 unisex capsule collection, entitled Stella McCartney Shared, the designer is revamping daywear, enlisting Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara to realize her vision of iconic pieces with novel twists – think luxe loungewear and chic closet staples with a streetwear spirit. In his first ever fashion collaboration, Nara flexed his creativity across coordinating silk separates, cozy knits and collectable handbags, by decorating them with his signature illustrations and slogans exclaiming, ‘We are punks’.

Timeless silhouettes are enlivened with modern details: the archetypal British trench, for example, comes with a bold stripe detail and the brand’s Old Bond Street logo – paying homage to the label’s eco-friendly flagship boutique on this iconic London street – in white across the back. The logo’s crisp, bold lettering is also emblazoned across oversized T-shirts and chic sportif sweatshirts.

Throughout the years, elegant juxtapositions have become one of the designer’s hallmarks, and here she pairs sporty track pants with pretty, printed silk shirts. It wouldn’t be a Stella McCartney collection without a cool utilitarian edge, and her tailored cargo pants and matching oversized safari jacket in head-to-toe white lend a sophisticated feel to the collection. Add a bold pop of color by pairing these pristine co-ords with the collection’s multi-colored handbags; choose between a neat clutch or a large holdall, to tote around your daily essentials in style.

Not forsaking ethics for aesthetics, the collection is made from materials that are kind to the planet – including organic cotton, forest-friendly viscose, recycled cashmere and traceable wool. Plus, with its ultra-flattering shapes and timeless designs, these are the kinds of pieces you will want to wear on repeat, therefore extending their lifecycle and creating less waste. Even the name itself, Shared, encourages a circular sensibility, inspiring us to consider our clothes as future heirlooms, too.

Stella McCartney is the label that women turn to when they want to feel confident and cool, and with its laid-back silhouettes, artistic verve and eco credentials, this is a collection guaranteed to make you feel as fabulous as you look.