The announcement that Stella McCartney has once again collaborated with H&M – after a 21 year gap – speaks volumes and we’re not talking about the baggy trousers from the collection which launches in store exclusively in New Zealand at Commercial Bay, Auckland on May 7.
It’s no secret that McCartney has openly pushed H&M to address the environmental impact of their production, so the collab may seem at odds with her values. I recall her asking some hard questions at the Global Fashion Summit in 2019 and loved her for that. So what’s changed?
The wool blazer and tailored trousers are made with wool certified to the RWS Standard. Products certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) contain wool fibre from farms certified to animal welfare and land management requirements.
McCartney is tackling the issue from the inside and as part of their 2026 collaboration, Stella McCartney has initiated critical, “honest” conversations with H&M regarding the sustainability of their fast-fashion model, questioning how to drive systemic change from within.
At the launch party in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood McCartney told Vogue.com “Celebrating here in New York, surrounded by friends and collaborators, feels like a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come on sustainability in our industry – and to stay honest about how far we still have to go, together.”
As part of their ongoing collaboration a “insights board” has been set up with the aim of driving industry dialogue around sustainability. Key issues discussed at the group’s first meeting included material innovation, circularity and communication, with a particular emphasis on how sustainability is conveyed to consumers.
H&M and Stella McCartney first collaborated in 2005. The latest campaign, shot in London by Sam Rock and starring Renee Rapp, Angelina Kendall and Adwoa Aboah, introduces the “&Stella” concept as a message of connection across past, present and future.
Opulent pieces include the embellished bodysuit, mini dress and bra, each adorned with glass beads made from 80% recycled glass.
It’s truly a dynamic, sexy collection that blends classic sensibility with a rock ‘n’ roll edge that makes this style-loving writer want to race off to H&M this instant! It also has an air of sophistication and is timeless.
The new collection reflects on the highlights of the house’s 25-year history, uniting past and present by combining current signatures such as oversized shirting, sweeping trenches and sharp tailoring with iconic pieces from McCartney’s early archive, including bejewelled prints and slogan tops.
The collection is crafted from certified and recycled fibres along with alternatives to conventional fabrics like industrial corn.
Key items include rib knitted dresses and tops with Falabella recycled metal chain detailing, a long white gown with a cape-like sleeve, sparkling partywear, separates, denims and mesh styles in a bold archival cherry print, alongside a ‘Rock Royalty’ embellished mini tee.
Accessories also play a strong role, with six bag styles ranging from small shoulder bags to oversized totes, as well as jewellery and loafers featuring chain detailing in recycled metals. The collection is defined by an approach to materials that prioritises recycled content, organic cottons, RWS-certified wool and innovative feedstocks.
Since launching her label in 2001 Stella McCartney has championed alternatives to animal leather and fur. For the latest H&M collaboration she introduces a cropped bomber jacket with a snakeskin-effect texture. The coated material of this piece is partly made from recycled vegetable oil and agricultural crop, such as straw.
The shell fabric of the long trench coat is made from ROC™ (Regenerative Organic Certified) cotton.
Oversized T-shirts, hoodies, oversized shirts and relaxed fit trousers are made from GOTS certified cotton.
The behind-the-scenes from the shoot are positively dreamy as well as celebratory. It makes us want to go out and party, and proves sustainability can be sexy. Back in 2015 when I joined Good magazine in 2015 I created the tagline: “For conscious-living people who love life, style and the planet”. I’ve always been green with lipstick. So forgive me if this collab has me a wee bit EXCITED!
The full collection will be available to shop at Commercial Bay, one of only four H&M stores across Australia and New Zealand to carry the range.
