Renowned fashion designer Stella McCartney has made her latest ready-to-wear collection available this week, which is inspired by her lifelong love for horses and riding. It also draws on the love between mothers, daughters, sisters, nature, humans and animals.
The winter 2023 collection is crafted from 92% responsible materials, making it the brand’s most eco-conscious winter collection to date. It also features equine photography by Stella’s mother, Linda McCartney, as well as her sister, Mary, emphasising how integral horses have been to the whole McCartney family.
The Appaloosa breed features heavily across the collection, which her mother bred, rode and photographed during Stella’s childhood, giving inspiration to coats, jumpers, bags and shoes. Other references to the equestrian world come in the form of horse motifs and bridle-like features.
The collection includes the first-ever luxury handbags (including the Falabella Tiny Tote Bag) made with Mirium, which is a plant-based, plastic-free and circular alternative to animal leather. The classic S-Wave and Frayme handbags from this collection have also been rendered in crocodile-effect AppleSkin, which is made using apple waste from the food industry.
The collection was presented during Paris Fashion Week at the historic Manège de l’École Militaire, France’s oldest riding school. Models catwalked alongside ponies provided by the famous liberty horseman Jean-Francois Pignon.
Jean-Francois also provided equine models for the Horse Power campaign to advertise the collection, of which Kendall Jenner is the face.
“I know this season’s Stella girl had to love horses as much as I do,” said the designer. “Kendall has been riding since she was a kid, just like me, and has her own ranch. You can see how at ease she is around these sensitive creatures.”
View the full collection at stellamccartney.com
A selection of horse-inspired items from the Stella McCartney Winter 2023 Collection
The Appaloosa Print Long Teddy Coat (RRP £3,150), which is also available in a shorter version (RRP £2,900).
Double-breasted, fully lined coats, scarves and cape sweaters in a hairy yarn are inspired by the earthy tones of Stella’s first horse, Harmony.
The Appaloosa Pony Jacquard Knit Cape Jumper (RRP £1,150) is made of a brushed RAS alpaca wool blend and inspired by the breed Stella’s parents raised during her childhood.
Appaloosa Pony Jacquard Knit Jumper (RRP £750)
The collection also features horse motifs on items reminiscent of 1990s Pony Club days.
The Stella McCartney Pony Club Oversized Rugby Top (RRP £650) is made from GOS-certified organic cotton.
Rope detailing on low-cut black all-in-ones and floor-skimming dresses reveal skin, referencing equestrian and bridle aesthetics.
A number of items feature photography imagery by Linda and Mary McCartney.
“Lucky Spot In Daisy Field” Silk Slip Dress (RRP £1,990), worn with the Ryder Shaggy Stiletto Heels (RRP £720).
The same 1985 Linda McCartney image of “Lucky Spot” (who was bought for Linda by her husband Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney) is used on the “Lucky Spot In Daisy Field” T-Shirt (RRP £275).
“Lucky Spot In Daisy Field” T-Shirt
The White Horse T-Shirt (RRP £225) features a photograph taken by Mary McCartney in 2017.
The White Horse T-Shirt
Other photographic items that appeared on the catwalk are not yet available online.
Pixelated rearing horse prints offer a contemporary feel to other items in the collection.
The Pixel Horse Jacquard Knit Jumper (RRP £850)
Pixel Horse Jacquard T-Shirt (RRP £690) and matching Pixel Horse Skirt (RRP £690)
The Horse Chain Embroidery Cropped Jumper (RRP £990), which has extra-long sleeves to play on proportions, features a chainmail horse embroidery instead.
The Horse Chain Embroidery Cropped Jumper
Shoes in the collection go one step further with their connection to the equine world. The Ryder Shaggy Stillettos, which are available in red and a chestnut “ginger”, feature moulded toe shapes similar to hooves.
Seen from above, the Ryder Shaggy Stillettos (RRP £720) don’t have a classic toe shape.
Appaloosa prints have also been used to create the statement-making Ryder Appaloosa Print Velvet Above-the-Knee Stiletto Boots, which give a nod to riding boots, and the chunkier Skyla Appaloosa Print Velvet Platform Ankle Boots.
The Skyla Appaloosa Print Velvet Chunky Platform Ankle Boots, RRP £715
Flat options include the Falabella Appaloosa Print Velvet Loafers (RRP £715).
The Falabella Appaloosa Print Velvet Loafers
The Falabella Appaloosa Print Velvet Tiny Tote Bag
For a more subtle equestrian touch, Stella has added horse print to the mainstay Elyse Pixel Horse Print Band Platform Shoes (RRP £720).
The Elyse Pixel Horse Print Band Platform Shoes
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