Stella McCartney was born in London to a family of creators who were legendary in public, yet ordinary at home. Raised in both the city and the English countryside, she was kept grounded by her late mother and muse, Linda McCartney – a photographer, vegetarian and animal rights activist whose values and innate appreciation for beauty continue to inspire her today.
Subsequent key highlights for the brand include launching an ongoing adidas by Stella McCartney performance wear partnership in September 2004, releasing the vegan STELLA fragrance and debuting the first lingerie collection in 2008. In Winter 2009, the iconic Falabella bag was introduced, distinguished by a hand-laced cotton and diamond-cut chain detail – the vegan accessory is now of Stella McCartney’s bestselling collections. In the same year, Stella McCartney Kids was introduced, and the sustainable fashion house expanded into eco-friendly eyewear in 2011.
After 17 years of partnership, Stella purchased Kering’s stake in her company in 2018. Later that year, she designed Meghan Markle’s wedding reception dress and partnered with the United Nations on a sustainable fashion charter.
In 2019, Stella McCartney entered into a partnership with LVMH to further develop her brand, while retaining a majority ownership. She will also serve as a special advisor on sustainability to Bernard Arnault and the conglomerate’s executive committee. Additionally, in January 2020, Stella became the first fashion designer ever to appear on the cover of Vogue USA.
In 2023, Stella was honoured with a CBE, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, by His Royal Highness King Charles III in recognition of her services to fashion and sustainability. She also debuted the world’s first-ever luxury products crafted from MIRUM®, BioSequins and regenerative cotton.
