In the swim
We have always looked to Stella McCartney for breezy wardrobe dressing and now she answers our poolside requirements with her newfound swimwear line.
How does swimwear fit with your main line? Stella McCartney: “It seemed quite natural for me to take the lingerie that I’ve been designing many years into swimwear, and I think it is an incredible area for us as a brand to work in. I think it’s exciting to bring the elements from the ready-to-wear collection on your holiday, onto the beach and to your swimming pool.” What elements do you think make up the ideal swimsuit? SM: “I find that as a woman the times you are in your swimwear are some of the most vulnerable moments; when you are in the beach and exposing your body it can be quite daunting. So I want to make women feel their best, comfortable and confident at all times. For this first collection the key piece, which is really a reflection of what we do in the brand, is the miracle section and it is really inspired by a famous dress that we did a couple of years ago that is an absolute celebration of a woman’s body, designed to bring her confidence and make her feel her absolute best. We have mimicked the miracle lines of the dress and adapted it into swim styles in neoprene, which also gives the technical aspect of fit and support. This style ticks all the boxes.” How has your personal style and that of your label changed as you have grown and evolved? SM: “My inspiration is always women in general, what they want and what they need. As the brand has evolved, the Stella woman is more naturally confident. My collections are no longer part of a season but rather timeless pieces that adapt to everyday women’s needs.” What makes your swimwear particularly ‘Stella McCartney’? SM: “We always have a little humour; as a brand we do like to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously. There is a citrus print that is really about celebrating all things summer, all things beach, that originally came from a ready-to-wear summer collection we did a few years ago. I also wanted to look into details – because that’s something really key for me as a designer – so all the ties of all the triangle bikinis and all the details are specially customised and personalised. There is also a story of mixing and matching – that is something I personally do with my swimwear.”