The second Yoshitomo Nara × Stella McCartney unisex capsule is here
Yoshitomo Nara × Stella McCartney has landed with a second unisex capsule, uniting once again around shared activist values, aesthetics and a love for animals. We originally joined forces with the legendary Japanese artist in Spring Summer 2021, marking his first-ever fashion collaboration. We have evolved its visual and social narrative, bringing attention to meaningful issues through fashion and fun imagery.
Blending conscious fashion and art, the collaboration expresses a free-spirited punk attitude – inspiring a new generation to ‘CHANGE THE HISTORY’. Nara’s work celebrates introspection, imagination and individuality, with our capsule uniting his vision with Stella’s values. Iconic illustrations and social slogans are realised across a light-hearted edit of rare, collectible ready-to-wear pieces and vegan accessories elevated with richer textiles and techniques.
Wide-eyed, big-headed, adorable-yet-sinister children and kids in animal costumes adorn plant-based coordinated Oxford shirts and shorts, organic cotton t-shirts and embroidered organic cotton denim. Continuing this next-gen streetwear aesthetic are fleece sweat sets, relaxed hoodies and a trench coat.
When I was young, I was lonely. Music and animals were a comfort. I wasn’t good at communicating verbally with humans, but I believed I could have telepathic conversation with animals. I thought we could have deeper communication.
Bold countercultural slogans – ‘STOP THE BOMBS’, ‘DON’T WASTE ANOTHER DAY’ – are plastered on knitwear, jersey separates and outerwear, especially poignant and relevant given the current global political and environmental climates. Rounding out the offering are silky daytime pyjamas and Breton-striped tops in soft, pastel shades.
The unisex capsule is made for a rising generation of changemakers, complemented by a Stella McCartney Kids mini-me edit. Stella wardrobe essentials become a canvas for the legendary Japanese contemporary artist’s iconic illustrations, with the collection features Nara’s ‘Untitled’, ‘Twins I and II’ and ‘Lonesome Puppy’ artworks – reimagined on organic cotton tote bags, with handles crafted from a vegan alternative to animal leather.
Known for the inimitable way that he bridges art, subculture and street culture, Yoshitomo Nara is inspired by his childhood growing up in rural Japan, his student years in 90s Germany and a synthesis of Japanese and Western culture, literature and music. His style is synonymous with youth in revolt – valorising non-conformity, free-thinking and individuality.
The Yoshitomo Nara x Stella McCartney will continue with Summer 2023 ready-to-wear pieces and a Stella McCartney Kids mini-me, available early next year.
