An expansion of consciousness: The Summer 2022 runway show
Stella made a return to the runway with the Summer 2022 show, rooted in the powerful notion that mushrooms are the future of fashion. Shot at Espace Niemeyer in Paris, models wore sensual and sustainable pieces in a space giving the sense of being in a mushroom cap – led with otherworldly synthesiser music created from these incredible organisms and a narration by mycologist Paul Stamets. Stella’s vision for the presentation was inspired by fungi’s transformative and transcendental qualities, as seen in the Fantastic Fungi documentary.
This complemented the launch of the special-edition Frayme Mylo™️ – a new Stella icon and the world’s first bag made from Bolt Thread’s innovative mycelium leather to be featured on a runway. Friends and guests present included Demi Moore, Ella Emhoff, Paris Jackson, Austin Butler, Isabelle Huppert, Karen Elson, Natalia Vodianova, Scout Willis, Derek Blasberg, Antoine Arnault, Sveva Alviti, Leonie Hanne, Ella Richards, Erika Boldrin, Mia Regan and Paul McCartney, of course.
The collection evoked a sensual femininity; a visual narrative engaging the Stella woman to redefine sexiness through feelings of softness and lightness. Pieces evolved the brand’s signature effortlessness, drawing unexpected inspirations from notions of exploration and expansion of consciousness.
Sweeping fringe gave movement to trousers, shrunken waistcoats and dresses in hand-drawn mushrooms prints on light organdie, with piped sculptural necklines borrowing from astronaut cooling tubes. This visual narrative was elaborated on by belted kimono jackets and judo trousers with quilting details. Ultra-light parachute parkas and pants billow in silky and transparent sustainable cupro and washed organic cotton.
Sensual tight twists and bodycon cut-outs created strong biophilic shapes – contrasting exposed skin with bold colours and fractal patterns. These were styled under monochromatic tailoring worn over cargo pants. Oversized textured mesh jumpers offered graphical cut-outs alongside hand-smocked oversized fluid t-shirts and dresses creating soft, deconstructed corset illusions.
Stretched and ruffled printed plisse dresses floated above the body, while crystal diamanté lace was worn over a shadow of a graphic silhouette – continuing in fitted vests, high-neck tops and all-in-ones giving the appearance of a sparkling second skin.
The focal bag was the vegan Frayme – energised by new hobo styles with a hand strap and contrast-colour chains alongside woven Alter Mat saddle bags. Stepping up our cruelty-free footwear were pillowy platform wedge sandals with chunky silver zips and cut-out side details, and lightweight heeled mules featuring an Aertex knitted upper. Completing the looks were symbolic necklaces and angular, vibrant eyewear made from bio-based and renewable materials refocusing a sharp sportiness.
Discover all of the highlights from the show, including exclusive backstage content, with #StellaSummer22.
