Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2023

Wild thing.

Stella McCartney keeps spinning around the great outdoors, drawing inspiration from all dense forests , hairy creatures - and reptiles. This collection was heavy and textured, colorful and dramatically shaped, all inspired by the natural world, from tree bark coats to reptilian party dresses to draped silhouettes in “forest-friendly” viscose.

"We celebrate textures and materials, and it's really a nod to who we are and what we stand for," said McCartney, whose textiles this season have been made from banana and grape waste; 100% traceable wool and regenerative cotton, which is made with methods that seek to return nutrients to the soil.

It wasn't obvious to anyone scrolling through their pictures or clothes racks. McCartney approached this collection as she always does, with an eye for sharp tailoring; a touch of deconstruction here and there, and a fusion of feminine and masculine.

There were lots of highlights here, including a coat done in a fuzzy jacquard that looked like tree bark and is made of durable faux fur; reptilian prints that crept over flowing blouses, a flowing trench and over the knee boots, and plenty of eye-catching cuts.

The designer trained at Edward Sexton on Savile Row. This season, Savile Row emerged in curved double-breasted coats in solid black or plaid; boxy jackets with high-cut skirts and roomy fitted military-style jackets with thin belts.

McCartney said she designs with two things in mind: aesthetics and durability and for her they are one in the same. "I can't separate them anymore," said the designer, adding that she enjoys designing within the glorious limits that nature imposes on her season after season.