STELLA MCCARTNEY - CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE
By lincoln d. conway

As the daughter of legendary Beatle father Paul and her late talented photographer and musician mother Linda, Stella McCartney embodies a unique fusion of artistic flair and a commitment to ethical living.

Growing up surrounded by the vibrancy of the music world, she charted her own path in fashion, rising to prominence with an eponymous label that champions sustainability and innovative design.

With the memory of her mother, an ardent vegan and animal rights advocate, guiding her, Stella, now 53, has ensured that compassion is woven into the fabric of her creations.

Married since 2003 to Alasdhair Willis, a visionary creative director at Adidas, Stella balances her illustrious career with family life, raising four children: Miller, Beckett, Bailey and Reiley. Each day, she continues to inspire the next generation with her unwavering dedication to environmental consciousness.

This winter, Stella unveils a collection that draws from her personal archive, featuring a striking limited-edition lips motif. Crafted from 90% conscious materials, including UPPEAL, an innovative apple-based alternative to leather, the collection is a testament to her commitment to sustainable fashion.

Collaborating with talents like Eva Mendes and RAYE, and photographed by Ethan James Green, this campaign showcases forest-friendly viscose satin dresses, versatile workwear and eco-conscious bags, reinforcing Stella’s legacy as a pioneering designer and passionate advocate for a more sustainable future.

Away from the catwalk, the icon is chatty in conversation, cool, controlled and, of course, perfectly understated. She is Stella McCartney.

STRIPLV: With your mother and father so heavily involved in music, what made you choose the fashion route?
MCCARTNEY: Fashion, for me, has always been a form of self-expression, much like music. Growing up in a world infused with creativity, I found my voice through design. It felt like a natural extension of the artistry I was surrounded by. I was inspired by my mother’s commitment to beauty and ethics, her passion for a vegan lifestyle and animal rights was a driving force in my work. I wanted to create something meaningful and transformative, to blend artistry with sustainability, pushing the boundaries of what fashion can represent. It’s all about making a statement.
STRIPLV: Your label was once almost mocked for its dedication to garments, motives and environmental credentials. Wind forward a couple of decades and the whole industry is playing by those rules. How does that make you feel?
MCCARTNEY: Well, I guess vindicated is the obvious answer there. And you’re right, at the time it was taken as something leftfield and unnecessary. I wouldn’t go as far as to say people thought we were virtue-signalling – I believe the ethos behind the label was taken seriously and it was known that the vision came from a good and genuine place… I mean, when you set out to make everything sustainable you actually make life a lot more difficult, and a lot more expensive, for yourself. But I think overall most commentators just couldn’t really see the point in it. There was still a whole perception that fashion was above the rules of normal environmentalism because clothes are, after all, a basic human necessity. Therefore, it was said, why shouldn’t people just go about making clothes in the way they want. I never agreed with that. My perspective was always to suggest that if something can be done to make a situation better, then the effort should be made. Whether you are changing an entire garment or a simple stitch on a hem, if you can do something for good, then you should, and that’s what we set out to do.
STRIPLV: You’ve become famous and successful in your own right, despite your dad being a former Beatle. Was it difficult to shake that tag or was it something you’re not concerned about anyway?
MCCARTNEY: Initially, there were moments when it felt like a heavy mantle to carry. But I’ve always believed that my work speaks for itself. I’m proud of my heritage, but my focus has always been on carving my own path. I’m more interested in my vision for sustainable fashion than any tag I might carry. I channel the legacy of my family into my creativity, using that platform to advocate for causes close to my heart. At the end of the day, it’s about the impact I can make and the stories I can tell through my designs.
STRIPLV: Are you proud to have carried on the legacy and determination of your mum when it comes to animal rights and being a vegan?
MCCARTNEY: Mum was a true pioneer in animal rights and veganism and it fills me with pride to continue that legacy. Her unwavering dedication to compassion has shaped my ethos as a designer. I see my work as a tribute to her, an extension of her values, marrying style with sustainability. Every collection reflects this commitment to ethical practices, from materials to production processes. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about making conscious choices that protect our planet and its inhabitants. Carrying on her vision is a privilege and a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly.
STRIPLV: What was it like growing up in the Seventies and Eighties when your dad was in his pomp? Do you ever wish you had a childhood that offered more privacy?
MCCARTNEY: Growing up in that era was filled with vibrant experiences, with the sounds of creativity and the buzz of fame. While the world knew my father as a Beatle, my home was actually a sanctuary of love and warmth. Yes, privacy was at times a challenge, but it instilled in me a deep appreciation for authenticity. I learned to navigate that world while cherishing the moments that truly mattered, like family dinners and intimate gatherings. The spotlight may have been bright, but it was the connections and values we shared that shaped my identity and aspirations as a designer, so I could never turn around and wish things were any different to the way they were, if that makes sense.
STRIPLV: You make it sound like a balancing act between exposure and protection. Have those been morals you’ve tried to continue with your own life as a mother for your own children?

MCCARTNEY: I try. Being a mother is one of my greatest joys and I strive to instil the values my parents gave me in my kids. It’s not really about being snapped by a cameraman or seeing your face on a billboard – those things actually aren’t important and never have been. In reality, I just want my children to understand the importance of kindness, compassion and living a life that aligns with their values. Although, having four children isn’t hugely sustainable [laughs] in environmental terms, I have always encouraged them to buy second-hand clothing. We always have conversations about sustainability and they regularly have some advice for me. They know they can make a difference, no matter how small. And beyond what we wear, I’ve always aimed to create a home that encourages creativity and authenticity, nurturing individuality while guiding them toward a compassionate lifestyle. At the end of the day, I just want them to do well, however, not at a price. 

STRIPLV: You have a new summer collection that looks fabulous! Tell us about it.
MCCARTNEY: With the summer collection, I want to continue pushing the envelope in a sustainable fashion while creating pieces that resonate emotionally with people. It’s about having fun but having respect at the same time, and I think my latest collections have all had those elements at heart: color, design, texture, messaging, and energy. I aim for each collection to tell a story that reflects our commitment to the environment and ourselves. 

STRIPLV: You’ve always looked to team up with big names. In 2019, you did so with woman of the moment Taylor Swift. What was that like and how important is Taylor not just for the empowerment of women, but also in the sense of what she says as regards world matters?
MCCARTNEY: Teaming up with Taylor was an incredible experience. She’s not only a phenomenal artist but also a powerful advocate for women and social issues. Collaborating with her brought a unique energy and perspective that really elevated our collection. Taylor uses her own platform to empower women and speak out on important matters, whether it’s gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, mental health or whatever she feels strongly about, and she’s not afraid to voice her opinion, as we’ve seen. It’s inspiring to see someone in the public eye harness their influence, as long as that’s for the right reasons. For me, every collaboration has to be a reminder that fashion can be a vehicle for dialogue and progress.
STRIPLV: Do you still feel you are winning the battle as regards sustainability in the fashion industry?
MCCARTNEY: It can be challenging to cut through the noise when it comes to environmental issues, especially with the ongoing damage our planet faces. While many leaders have made pledges, the real change often feels slow and inadequate. However, I believe that every voice matters and my commitment to sustainability is unwavering. It’s crucial to continue raising awareness and advocating for genuine action, not just empty promises. I aim to inspire a collective shift, encouraging consumers to demand more from brands and pushing the industry toward transparency and responsibility. For example, we continue to push towards the use of innovative materials, like UPPEAL and other eco-friendly fabrics, while advocating for transparency throughout the industry. People sometimes see change as impossible, like trying to push a boulder up a hill. Yet all it takes is a few hands, and the power of conscious, linear choice can do amazing things. So what are we waiting for?

MUSIC TO HER EARS

Although her dad is a Beatle, Stella McCartney likes other music as well, you know.

• Stella McCartney’s favorite albums each hold a special place in her heart, resonating with her on a deeply personal level, but they may not be as you expect. Take Neil Young’s After The Gold Rush, for starters. “This album feels raw and timeless,” she reflects. “Neil’s ability to combine folk with rock and political themes is like listening to pure, unfiltered emotion – so moving and reflective.”

• Another favorite is Tim Hardin’s 1, a record that feels almost like a secret whispered into the night. “There’s an intimacy to Tim Hardin’s voice that’s unparalleled. The vulnerability in his songwriting captures your heart. His songs are delicate yet profound, making it a deeply personal listening experience,” she explains.

• As for Julie Is Her Name by Julie London: “Julie’s voice is velvet; it’s pure seduction,” she says. “The album has an effortless elegance. The minimalist instrumentation makes her vocals stand out even more, creating a dreamlike, atmospheric experience that’s so soothing.”

• “Pet Sounds is a masterpiece of sound and feeling,” she enthuses, referencing the iconic Beach Boys record. “Brian Wilson’s genius in layering harmonies creates such a lush, emotional soundscape. It’s nostalgic, inventive and completely immersive – it changed music forever.”

• Next up, Radiohead’s Pablo Honey takes her back to the days of youthful angst and rebellion. “This album is raw and full of energy. Creep is such an anthem for outsiders, and Radiohead’s early sound feels like a pure expression of youthful angst and rebellion,” Stella says.

• And finally a reference to her parents. “Without being too clichéd, Band On The Run is pure freedom. It’s an adventurous, uplifting album, full of creativity and melody. The sense of liberation in the music is infectious – you feel like you’re soaring when you hear it.”