BIRD’S EYE VIEW
Seeing from another being’s point of view is the first step in empathy – enabling us to treat them with more care and compassion. So, why do we so rarely try to see the world through an animal’s eyes? Animals are the foundation of how we know we are human. We are not creatures, therefore we are people.
For Autumn 2024, we take a bird’s eye view. Seeing the world from new perspectives and different vantage points, discovering shapes and scapes that can only be observed from great heights; the straight edges of man-made construct, the fluid lines of Mother Earth.
BIRDS OF BRITAIN
Stella's playfulness takes flight across miniskirts crafted from a spongy, sporty fabric, cut into 3D strips that create the effect of feathers – without harming a single bird. This feathering effect continues on black repurposed silk taffeta belted dresses, alongside the hems of knit jumpers, acid canary yellow waffle shawls and an ostrich feather print.
“Every year, millions of birds are harmed or killed by for fashion. We have never used feathers since day one, and I love that my Autumn 2024 collection celebrates avian beauty in a cruelty-free way.”
ARCHITECTURAL TAILORING
Stella is celebrated for her Savile Row tailoring, with elongated strong-shouldered silhouettes defining the Autumn 2024 edit. Etched pinstripes and checks bring a touch of classic print to contemporary, clean suiting alongside utility pieces in soft flannels and dresses embellished with hardware details. Column coats energise a masculine attitude, paired with wide collapsing trousers alongside abstracted and constructed slits giving sculptural shapes.
“This season, I wanted to see the world from a bird’s eye view, with contrasting shapes and silhouettes that reference both architectural and sculptural shapes, as well as more fluid and organic ones; almost as if flying over a city and then the countryside.”
TIGER PRINT
Animal prints are iconic to Stella McCartney, this season they’re seen reinterpreted as a feathered tiger print in monochromatic and soft tones. Dresses continue with maxi and asymmetric silhouettes, alongside knotted all-in-ones, in a classic organic silk twill. Warmth comes from monochromatic tiger trench coats in a shaggy responsibly sourced wool alongside subtle black-on-black editions in recycled materials. In bags, this theme is interpreted through Frayme totes crafted from tiger-printed, textured Alter Mat and croc-embossed UPPEAL; an apple-based animal leather alternative.
“For Autumn 2024, I wanted to help people see through an animal’s eyes, whether a bird’s or a tiger’s… Crafting the collection from 95% sustainable materials that celebrate their beauty, in a conscious and cruelty-free way.”
FEMALE FORM
Lean column silhouettes are moulded to the body, pairing ribbed knitwear in organic cottons and responsibly sourced wools with the fluid movements of flared trousers. Savile Row tailoring informs traditional peacoats in navy, given a fashion edge with Stella circle hardware. This hardware line continues on cardinal red moulded sleeveless dresses, with feathering in silk organza at the skirt. In shoes we see this theme appear in Elsa and Ryder; both silhouettes are refreshed with sculptural elements this season across boots, pumps and mules.
