BIG IN JAPAN: Stella McCartney and the Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara have renewed their creative vows and teamed on a capsule collection that “advocates for nature” and is made from 100 percent responsible materials.
Their third collection, which includes ready-to-wear, knits, shoes and accessories, is inspired by a “rock ’n’ roll forest,” and brings together nature, music and Nara’s childlike and animal motifs.
There are also four exclusive styles in “extremely limited” quantities, including vegan handbags, framed crocheted faces and hand-knitted scarves and sweaters available on a made-to-order basis and crafted at McCartney’s atelier.
An Adidas by Stella McCartney x Yoshitomo Nara SPW64 reimagines the Tokyo 64 track shoe. It is made from lightweight, recycled materials printed with Nara’s artwork. Its slender silhouette has a tongue inspired by the 1956 Melbourne Olympics shoe.
A look from the collaboration between Stella McCartney and Yoshitomo Nara.
“I’ve always been such a huge fan of Nara, so to have formed a true friendship with him has been a real honor. He’s such an individual artist, quite elusive, and I love that sense of silence, peace and calm you feel when you’re around him. We’re friends first and foremost, and that makes this third collaboration incredibly special,” said McCartney.
The collection is made from deadstock yarns and materials “because I’m obsessed with addressing waste in fashion, and using what already exists. But it’s also about making something that has a life beyond a season. These limited pieces are almost collectibles, created with an incredible artist. They’re things you want to keep and treasure,” McCartney added.
The campaign stars the Japanese actor Ryo Ryusei and model Mika Schnider with playlists curated by McCartney and Nara.
In Japan, there will be a dedicated, four-week Stella McCartney x Yoshitomo Nara pop-up at Isetan the Space on the second floor of Isetan Shinjuku. The space will include repurposed fixtures, materials and 3D artworks made using recyclable paper and cardboard cutouts.
McCartney will be in Japan with Nara from Nov. 9-11 to celebrate the launch with experiences taking place at the brand’s Aoyama and Hankyu Umeda stores. The limited-edition collection will launch globally on Nov. 11 on the brand’s website and at selected Stella McCartney boutiques and retailers worldwide.
