Stella McCartney: “Environmentalism is the future of fashion and especially the future of our planet"

By

Lucile Deprez

Published
Jul 3, 2015

The question of fashion and sustainability is far from resolved, and many initiatives have emerged in recent years. Stella McCartney has confirmed her commitment to the cause while offering a great degree of transparency. The designer spoke about her passion for sustainability with Elle magazine.

With a 50% stake owned by Kering, the English brand is striving to offer an alternative mode of consumption, while sharing its convictions with the greatest number of people possible to make environmentalism a global phenomenon. Stella McCartney declares herself to be "a little sad not to have more environmental comrades in the fashion industry." 

With this "different way of doing luxury", Stella McCartney has convinced Kering that it is still possible to make profits while insisting on sustainable development. 

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Since then, Kering has estimated its environmental impact at 773 million euros and aims to reduce this number. The foundation recently supported a new ethical fashion concept store entitled Front. The company is taking part in the struggle while serving as an example for others to follow.

Although it is still difficult to be able to completely control the origin of products, to produce without wasting…the designer is completely committed.

All collections are made entirely without the use of animals (no tests, leather or fur), although a great deal of research is performed in order to develop these innovative materials. The brand employs recycled metal, while it has eliminated its use of PVC.

She admits that "there is always a moment when I have to apologize to my designers for the constraints that I have imposed on them," but she said that she "does not sacrifice fashion for the cause." 

More than a personal conviction, Stella McCartney is trying educate the next generation by giving lectures at universities and supporting a program at the Central Saint Martins that includes a 18-month internship working with her. But, according to McCartney, regulations aren’t enough and much remains to be done.