I Tried It
Bustle’s Fashion Team Took H&M x Stella McCartney Out For A Spin In NYC
Spoiler alert: The compliments did not stop.
In H&M’s 22-year history of annual collabs, the brand has never repeated a designer drop — until now. On May 7, the retail giant released its limited-edition collection with Stella McCartney, its second with the British label since they initially teamed up more than two decades ago.
In 2005, H&M tapped Stella for its sophomore collaboration. (The program debuted with Karl Lagerfeld the previous year.) Although joint collections were highly controversial at the time, and practically unheard of until H&M, the partnership paid off. The launch caused a “shopping riot” in London stores.
Their second collab is set to be just as iconic. McCartney clearly went through her discography of greatest hits, relaunching some of her most memorable pieces at affordable price points. Remember the “Rock Royalty” top she and Liv Tyler wore to the 1999 Met Gala (a nod to their famous musician dads, Paul McCartney and Steve Tyler, respectively)? It’s reimagined in this collection for a fraction of the cost.
The designer also reintroduced her crystal-encrusted star jeans, famously debuted by Bella Hadid on the Spring/Summer 2023 runway, albeit in a different color. The rest of the pieces stayed true to her design DNA of clean tailoring and, more important, ethical sourcing.
Obviously, Bustle’s fashion editors couldn’t wait to get their hands on the pieces. Read on for the team’s honest reviews of H&M x Stella McCartney 2.0 and how to style the collection this season.
It’s Giving Whimsy
I love the new Stella McCartney x H&M collab. It has whimsical treasures like this white horse T-shirt and Stella’s classic runway staples like her oversize trench coats — without the runway price tag.
Pro tip: For sizing, I would double-check the guide as some of the pieces do run a little big depending on your preferred fit. — Stephanie Sanchez, senior fashion market and accessories editor
Twilight, But Make It Glam
If you don’t want strangers stopping you on the street to tell you how sick your pants are, then skip these Stella McCartney x H&M pants. Seriously, I’ve never gotten so many compliments from a clothing item before, and I totally get why people are doing double takes. These oat-colored trousers are bedazzled in front and actually sparkle under the sun. (Think Edward Cullen, but 100 times chicer.)
Since the trousers were plenty glitzy, I styled it down with a loose white T-shirt, a belt, and some silver accessories. This collection is a game changer. I’m definitely eyeing the rest of it. — Alyssa Lapid, fashion writer
Soft Rebellion
The H&M x Stella McCartney collection feels like such a moment, and I love that it’s made more accessible so people can experience some of the brand’s most iconic styles in a fresh way. For my look, I paired the collab’s laced T-shirt dress with leather boots for a slightly rebellious, rock-inspired feel while still staying true to the brand’s DNA. The contrast just works: soft structure with a bit of attitude.
When it comes to fit, it really depends on the mood: Size down if you want a tighter fit, or stay true to size for a relaxed, effortless drape. — Ashirah Curry, associate market editor
Pure Nostalgia
The Stella McCartney x H&M collaboration reads effortlessly chic and allows for a more affordable approach to an iconic English designer. For my look, I paired the “Rock Royalty” top with two-toned mid-rise denim that fits true to size, finishing off the look with my current favorite wedge flip-flops.
The collection is fairly easy to style and is anchored by a handful of striking statement pieces. Shop it before it sells out. — Noelia Rojas-West, fashion market assistant
Photographs by: Selwyn Tungol
