In Pictures: H&M launches new Stella McCartney collaboration collection

Following on from last week’s star-studded launch event in New York, H&M’s highly anticipated new collaboration collection with Stella McCartney has landed online and in selected stores today, 7 May.

It comes over 20 years since the first H&M and Stella McCartney partnership, which launched in November 2005.

The latest collection “unites past and present”, combining current signature pieces, such as oversized shirting, sweeping trenches and sharp tailoring, with playful iconic hits from McCartney’s early archive, including bejewelled prints and slogan tops.

Stella McCartney said: “I see this collection as a journey through my fashion history. It is a true mix of current classics and some of my old favourites that showcase my first forays into fashion and the development of my signatures. It’s playful, strong, sparkling, joyful and refined.”

Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor & Head Of Design Womenswear at H&M, added: “Stella has always had a bold vision for fashion, and this collection tracks her journey from a young, rule-breaking voice to a master of timeless design. Every single piece in the collection is desirable and tells a unique and bold story.”

Other key items in the collection include rib knitted dresses and tops with McCartney’s signature Falabella chain at the neck, and a long white gown with a cape-like sleeve that loops into the hem - giving the look of a sweeping circle of fabric.

There’s also “sparkling partywear”, separates and denims, as well as mesh dresses and tops in a bold archival cherry print. Offering an extra dose of nostalgia is a white mini tee embellished with studs reading ‘Rock Royalty’.

Meanwhile, the accessories range features six different bags, including small, branded shoulder bags, giant totes and a timeless chocolate-toned bag with a chain-detail strap. That’s one of several pieces in the collection that incorporate the Falabella chain, including necklaces and earrings, crafted in recycled metal in mixed tones, as well as loafers with chain detailing on the front.

Also unveiled today is the collection’s campaign, shot by Sam Rock in London and starring Renee Rapp, Angelina Kendall and Adwoa Aboah. The mood is “playful yet effortless, nostalgic yet forward-thinking”.

Across the campaign, &Stella is the tagline for the collaboration, reinterpreted in ‘myriad forms’ like ‘&Here &Now &Me &You’ as “a message about connection”.

The collection is defined by materials that prioritise recycled content, organic cottons, wool certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) Standard and innovative usage of feedstock for coated materials, such as industrial corn and recycled vegetable oil.

The launch party in New York was held on 29 April at Racket in Chelsea, Manhattan. It brought together “a global community of creatives and friends”, including DJ Mark Ronson, who performed a live set, Lila Moss, Yasmin Wijnaldum, Janelle Monáe, Amelia Gray and Charlotte Lawrence.

There was also a live performance by Dave as the venue was transformed into a “high-energy club night reinterpreted through the lens of fashion”. Blurring the lines between runway and nightclub, models moved through the space wearing key looks from the collection.