Upon the arrival of her new autumn wear collection, we reflect on why Stella McCartney and her namesake brand merit pride of place in your wardrobe

A pioneer in sustainable fashion, Stella McCartney cut her teeth at Gucci in the 90s, sourcing sustainable materials for her designs and shunning leather at every turn. Now at the helm of her own company – with a flagship store on Old Bond Street and stockists all over the world – Stella’s ability to marry cutting edge design with sustainability means the House of McCartney is far from a backwater.

From a commitment to social responsibility to fermented mushroom ‘leather,’ here are four reasons we’re crazy about Stella this season…

1). Materials you can trust

Think Stella McCartney, think alternative. And we’re not just referring to her quirky designs; Stella McCartney relies on alternatives to the fossil fuel-derived synthetics and animal products you might expect from the industry, alternatives that include upcycled polyester, organic cotton and Mylo, a vegan alternative to animal leather created with renewable mycelium from fungi (shop here). Ever the innovator, the brand has also created an alternative to aluminium and stainless steal that can be found in items such as the iconic falabella bag (shop here), and at no point does the brand’s supply chain rely on copper mining and its products.

2). Social Responsibility

Stella McCartney isn’t just about the planet, it’s about the people who populate it. Prizing open and collaborative business practices that take care of those on whom supply chains depend, the brand champions the need to learn about and understand the contexts of its sourcing regions. In an industry scarred by the consequences of murky supply chains, Stella McCartney’s commitment to across-the-board transparency and worker’s rights means one can shop in good faith.

3). Variety

From casual wear to timeless tailoring and elegance, when it comes to womenswear, Stella McCartney is far from prescriptive. Where functionality meets chic meets street, the brand certainly dodges all-embracing labels, meaning there’s probably an item for every occasion. Stella’s unisex collection further demonstrates how its products are more about aesthetic impact than they are about catering to fixed expressions of gender.

Arguably as famed for its iconic accessories, such as the infamous vegan leather logo bags, as it is for its clothes, the brand’s trail-blazing designs are certainly a nod to our need to ‘complete the look.’ From handbags to tote bags, trainers to hats, this September sees the release of even more accessories to see you into autumn/winter. Shop now and update your wardrobe with timeless investment pieces just in time for the new season.

Have you purchased any Stella McCartney items from Morgan Clare? Why not tell us about your favourite item in the comments section below?

Written by Rosie Driffil