Stella McCartney certainly knows how to make an impression. The British designer just had a week that most designers can only dream of. Stella blew into town and started the week co-hosting Anna Wintour's annual Vogue Met Gala. Late designer Alexander McQueen is the honoree of this years retrospective at the Met's Costume Institute. Dressing a staggering number of red carpet beauties from Madonna to Rihanna, Stella stole the show! Read all about the red carpet extravaganza - STELLA at the MET
Amazingly, that spectacular night was just the beginning for Britain's most prolific designer. Wednesday night Stella was just down 5th Avenue, at Saks 5th Avenue to be precise. The legendary department store rolled out their red carpet at the famous flagship location as they unveiled the new Stella McCartney Boutique on the second floor.
The boutique is beautiful and the mood was festive and relaxed. The brand is famous for casual cool events that always attract a hipster crowd with an eye for fashion. Popcorn, balloons, and park benches really brought a little London charm to the heart of NYC. (Of course there were Pimm's Cups all around!).
Artist Jeff Koons and actress/ model Liv Tyler were also on hand to fete their friend as she opened her new boutique.
Also at the party was one of New Yorks' own famous fashion icons. American legend Geoffrey Beene always insisted on having all of his one of a kind runway gowns shown on model - Liz Lee. Liz is as beautiful today as she was in the 80's. She is also a ray of sunshine and has a heart of gold!
The evolution of the SM collection has happened before our eyes. Stella burst on the international scene by becoming the "young British girl" to take the reigns at French House Chloe back in the late 90's. Legend Karl Lagerfeld was leaving the house for the second time and had practically driven the collection into the ground due to his infamous battles with management -(only 1 U.S. retailer was still buying by that time). Stella's mix and match sensibility and injection of menswear tailoring into the very feminine skirt suit collection was ahead of it's time and a smash hit!.
15 years later - my how things have changed. Stella is now a powerful women in her own right, with her own collection. Now married with four children, this very busy fashion icon has developed a message and a core customer. What was once a group of great items is now a serious runway collection. Keep in mind that Stella has been a game changer in the industry by insisting that the collection be leather free. This was unheard of in the world of accessories and shoes - before Stella McCartney anyway. Her Falabella Bag is a total must have! (American menswear designer John Bartlett has also become passionate about obstaining from the use of leather and fur).
The naturally stained and sustainable wood planks underfoot in the Stella Saks boutique carries through the concept of her magnificent new flagship space in Las Vegas at the Crystals Shopping Center.
While Stella has always been a destination for great knitwear or perfectly tailored pants, the Met Gala is sure to make her a dress and gown resource. Those famous ladies on the red carpet never looked more beautiful!
To find out more about the Stella McCartney collection at Saks - click SAKS or to shop her collection on-line, click NET-A-PORTER now.