Stella McCartney

YOU CALL YOUR FALL READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION IRREVERENT. WHY? It’s a British thing—mixing opposites and getting excited by the masculine-feminine tension. The collection is luxurious and easy to wear at the same time. It’s about making an understated statement.

YOUR DESIGNS FOR H&M SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY. ANY PLANS FOR ANOTHER ACCESSIBLE LINE? We try to have pieces within our collection that appeal to all types of women, both in style and price point.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF CLOTHING IN YOUR WARDROBE? My bespoke three-piece white suit.

THE BELT PREVAILS IN YOUR ACCESSORIES COLLECTION. WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION? If you’ve got a waist, flaunt it. It gives the body a focus and creates proportion. I’m looking at accessories as important pieces. They carry an outfit, so they need to have their own life and character to reflect today’s women’s needs. We have it all in our accessories line—everyday pieces reflected by their price, as well as more sophisticated evening pieces.

HOW HARD IS IT TO PRODUCE AND MARKET AN ENTIRELY NON-LEATHER LINE OF ACCESSORIES? It’s surprising to me that people cannot get their heads around a non-leather bag or shoe. They already exist out there, but unfortunately designers feel they have to slap a leather trim or sole on them. People need to start looking at the product, and if they like it, that’s all that matters. If it has an ethical or ecological edge, that’s a huge bonus. We address these questions in every other part of our lives except fashion. Mind-sets are changing, though, which is encouraging.

YOU DON’T USE FUR EITHER, BUT YOU DO USE ANIMAL PRINTS. DOESN’T THAT INDIRECTLY PROMOTE THE USE OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS IN FASHION? No. It’s a celebration of their skin staying on them.

YOUR PETA VIDEO IS HAUNTING. WHY AREN’T MORE PEOPLE CATCHING ON TO ANIMAL RIGHTS? I’m impressed that you watched it. I think people are afraid of the reality of how fur and leather get to us. For fashion they turn a blind eye to suffering. They need educating.

HOW COMMON IS GREEN LIVING IN THE LUXURY BUSINESS? It’s not common at all. That’s why people tend to focus on me. But it’s the truly modern way to address accessories—it’s the only new thing out there.

HOW GREEN ARE YOU? I’m pretty green. I could be better, but I feel I’m a lot better than most. Do unto others as you’d have done unto yourself.

YOU’RE A VEGETARIAN. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? Now, that’s actually a challenging question. Mashed potatoes.