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A child prodigy, a hard working young mother, one of the best fashion designers of her generation, a crusader for justice for humans and animals alike, Stella is, like her name suggests, a real Star.
Stella has been both blessed and cursed by being the first born of her illustrious parents, Sir Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman McCartney. Even before she was born, she made musical history: Linda had a difficult labor, and baby Stella came into this world through cesarean section. Her father reportedly prayed that she would be born "on the wings of an angel" - thus the choice of 'Wings' as the name of Paul and Linda's new band.
Fast forward a few years, and it wouldn't be hard to think Stella had an easy childhood, but that isn't quite true. She was bullied at school because of her famous parents, and her folks were determined she would develop important values, like independence and creativity.
However, they were also very supportive, teaching Stella to have confidence in herself. Stella washed dishes to earn money to afford to buy clothes. She couldn't even afford to buy fashion magazines, but this might be why she's now so innovative.
Stella considers her late mother Linda a fashion icon. Linda did care about fashion, but she was also independent about it. If the prevailing style didn't suit, then Linda would wear what she liked, because it suited her and felt good. So this 'never be a slave to fashion' attitude has given Stella a foundation for which her brand is so renowned.
"I've been struggling furiously all my life to be independent. -- Stella McCartney
Stella began her career at the tender age of 15, working with Christian Lacroix on his first collection and then learning tailoring on London's famous Savile Row.
She then attended St. Martens College of Art and Design. Her final year collection created a stir, but not for all the right reasons: She enlisted her friends, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Yasmin Le Bon to be her models. Her parents' high profile ensured the world's media were to descend on this little student show, leaving some of the other students reportedly declaring that she turned it into a circus.
Her entire final year collection was bought by Browns, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, so all the hard work was starting to pay off.
"I know what makes chicks tick" -- Stella McCartney
After only 2 collections, Stella took over the job of creative director for Chloe, from a very disgruntled Karl Lagerfeld. This turned out to be an astute move by Chloe: their profile and profit rising after Stella's first collection in October, 1997.
After her mother's tragic death from breast cancer in 1998, to honor her Stella stepped up her campaign against animal cruelty, actively joining PETA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) campaign.
She renewed her contract with Chloe in 2000, but there were reports that Gucci had approached Stella and were turned down due to Gucci requiring Stella work with leather. Coming to their senses, Gucci then offered Stella a 50/50 agreement for her to launch her own label, minus the strings. She took them up on it, and her first store was launched in New York in 2002, to be followed by a second in Mayfair, London, and then, on her birthday in September 2003, a store in Los Angeles and a her first perfume.
"This collection is for women who take their sport and their style seriously. Why should we have to comprise one for the other." -- Stella about her latest adidas collection
In September 2004, Stella began a joint-venture with adidas, and thus the birth of the classic Stella McCartney Tennis Dress. Now, many seasons into the partnership, the delicate tailored looks continue to flourish throughout the line. Rising WTA Star Caroline Wozniacki plays exclusively in adidas by Stella McCartney.
For all garments close to the skin, adidas' ClimaLite(r) fabric technology ensures a comfortable game. No creatures have been harmed in any way in the production of the adidas by Stella McCartney brand, and this includes people. Stella wouldn't have it any other way - another good reason to admire this remarkable young woman.
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