What A Wonder

We marvel at Stella McCartney’s modern approach to luxury, her commitment to being an industry change agent, and her quest for perfecting Stella’s World

- Evon Chng

Stella McCartney poses a question to me, one that I do not have an answer for. “Do you know what viscose is made of? People don’t,” she says. “And the new idea of luxury is knowing where your fashion comes from.” Her eponymous label has just turned 11, and is one of the few luxury brands that commits itself to cruelty-free trade, promoting sustainability and eco-consciousness. So passionate to change the world she is, that the brand’s Fall 2017 campaign was shot in a landfill to illustrate the fashion industry’s wastage.

Just how does the McCartney brand stand in this time and age where, to many, luxury is about having to own an exotic leather bag and a plush mink coat? We caught up with the effervescent designer at her rooftop party at Andaz Tokyo to chat sustainability, fashion, and more.

How do you define luxury?

We represent a modern approach to luxury fashion where I think we are change agents. To us, a new mindful consumer – one who is environmentally-responsible – is more of a luxury customer in this day and age. Because true luxury is to have a healthy planet, the way we source, manufacture and treat the community matters – more so than a piece of leather.