Stella McCartney Balanced Power Suits and Ethereal Gowns in a Collection That Thrived on Contrasts

For nearly an hour, I waited for Stella McCartney's show to begin, and tuning in via livestream meant that I watched the screen flash the words "Come Together" more times than I could count instead of mixing and mingling with the A-list crowd. In anticipation for the show's start, I had a moment to wonder what it might mean for this collection. My mind immediately went to boho, and I thought, "Oh no, that might be too obvious," and then I landed on the fact that, in today's climate, we really do need to come together. McCartney gave us a runway show that did just that, starting off with Helen Mirren reading the lyrics to The Beatles' "Come Together" as spoken word poetry.

In recent collections, McCartney has had a way of putting an elevated take on the office siren movement. Her current collection is the type of thing Gisele Bündchen's character in The Devil Wears Prada would be all over. It's workwear that exudes fashion person, and the designer always finds a way to remix the classics. This corporate-chic attire was beautifully juxtaposed with evening looks that would make any red carpet photographer start snapping. Amelia Gray Hamlin, in a black structured minidress, led the final walk, and Alex Consani closed out the show in a flurry of feathers. You're going to want to take a closer look at each and every moment this runway had to offer, but I'm just here to tell you about the trends that shouldn't be missed.

1. Deconstructed Workwear

Corporate dressing gets rebellious at McCartney with what I'm calling deconstructed workwear. If you grew up battling dress code violations, you already know the drill. Think classic double-breasted jackets cut away at the sides and tailoring styled purposefully unbuttoned and undone. It's workwear, but not as HR intended—menswear codes turned playful, undone, and just a little subversive. This interplay of sharp structure and casual nonchalance defines the brand's 2026 era, and I'm here for it.

2. Party on Top

The focus was firmly above the waist this season, where statement tops stole the spotlight while pared-back bottoms played supporting roles. Sequined shirting, corseted draping, and airy crinoline hems brought the drama, often paired with something as simple as a black miniskirt or the brand's new wave of denim. But these jeans weren't just cool—they were groundbreaking. They were cut from a new material that literally absorbs and neutralizes pollutants in the air, and McCartney turned a simple jeans-and-a-top formula into both a party-ready and planet-saving statement.

3. Texture Play

This was a collection you wanted to reach out and touch. Stella McCartney's iconic faux fur–trimmed hemlines made an appearance, and bags dripped in fringe gave a playful energy. One, in particular, that reminded me of confetti stood out the most. Meanwhile, crinkled satin and bold tops made texture feel polished and almost invisible. The final looks were all about "feathers" that weren't feathers at all. They were a sustainable stand-in that looked just as dramatic while floating down the runway. Stella McCartney reminded us that texture isn't just a detail—it's the exclamation point.

4. Cool Girl Prep

Imagine your school uniform all grown up with a Stella McCartney–approved edge. Polos were layered under more polos, button-downs were styled loose and a little undone, and tennis-style poplin skirts brought in preppy energy in the chicest way possible. Accessories played into the mood too—the sculptural pumps, roomy totes, and "carry it all" bags felt practical but far from boring. It was prep with an irreverent twist: polished enough for Paris Fashion Week and casual enough to wear off duty.