Stella McCartney’s ocean message landed quite literally, considering the rain. Paid actor.
Presented in the gardens of the British ambassador’s residence in Paris, the Spring/Summer 2027 collection explored marine life, overfishing and the climate crisis through fluid tailoring, wave motifs and aquatic references. The weather only intensified the message, turning the runway into an unexpectedly convincing underwater world.
The materials were thoughtful, but more importantly, the clothes were actually desirable. Drawstring-waisted tailoring, low-rise trousers, sheer layers, bubble hems and draped eveningwear created silhouettes that felt wearable without becoming predictable. A pleasant palette of seafoam, sage, coral, blush, light blue, cream and chocolate kept the ocean theme sophisticated rather than overly literal.
McCartney continued her experiments with recycled polyester, recycled denim, forest-friendly viscose, organic organza, algae-based pigment and Spiber’s Brewed Protein fibre. Accessories included transparent bags made partly from recycled materials, alongside new iterations of the Ryder and Appaloosa styles.
Some of the collection leaned a little trend-led, and the accessories did not feel particularly new. The dolphin graphics, however? I fear SeaWorld may have entered the chat. The airbrushed creatures appeared across T-shirts and dresses, making the environmental message considerably more difficult to take seriously.
Still, overall, it worked: thoughtful, wearable and beautifully styled, with just enough questionable dolphin imagery to keep the conversation going.
