“H&M X Stella McCartney Might Be The Best High Street Collab In Years”
Having been one of the original high-street-meets-designer collaborators back in 2005 when she partnered with behemoth H&M, Stella McCartney changed the game by making high-end pieces available to the masses. This spring, the duo returns more than 20 years later with a collection featuring signature staples and beloved icons. Here’s why our Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, thinks it’s the most exciting high street collab in years, looks back on the history of the partnership, and picks her new favourites…
The original collection…
I remember when the Stella x H&M collab first dropped. I was 18 and in my first few months of fashion college in London, part of the same university that Stella herself famously graduated from, which felt particularly exciting. Everyone wanted a piece of this collection. It wasn’t even H&M’s first designer collab – Karl Lagerfeld had already created a line with them – but this was something else. Something mega. There was a hysteria around it, and the fact that online shopping wasn’t anywhere near as big as it is today meant it was a visceral, in-real-life experience. Stellamania had definitely hit Oxford Street, and I was thrilled to be able to buy a piece of it.
Back in 2005, Stellamania had hit Oxford Street, and I was thrilled to be able to buy a piece of it.
I probably spent too much money for a student, but it felt like a definitive cultural shift that brought luxury to the masses – and to me, someone who would pore over every runway photo on Vogue.com. I think I ended up selling some of the pieces on eBay for a profit, which I guess was a silver lining, but I wish I still had some of them now, especially the washed-silk, flapper-esque dress and a boho beaded, cropped jacket, if I remember correctly.
The 2026 Stella McCartney x H&M collection…
In a full-circle moment two decades later, Stella is back with H&M with a collection of signature staples and beloved icons. It’s a celebration of the past, with nods to cult classics, but with a modern, evolved twist honed over the past 20 years. Expect sharp tailoring that feels definitively Stella and refined shirting for the everyday, alongside statement eveningwear that belies the high street price tags (although I’d say the prices are more premium than H&M’s usual). With archival-inspired silhouettes and slogans, each piece is crafted from certified and recycled fibres alongside innovative alternatives to conventional fabrics, keeping perfectly in line with Stella’s own approach to fashion.
My top picks…
There are so many great pieces in this collection, whether you’re after something fun and whimsical or something impeccably tailored that will really work hard in your wardrobe – two things Stella is brilliant at balancing.
For the former, I’d go for the playful cherry print, which feels so indicative of the brand; the designer has long flirted with fruit motifs across many of her collections. But for something more grown-up, there’s the oversized trench – a near-perfect silhouette and shade with beautiful details that feel so designer.
It’s a celebration of the past, with nods to cult classics, but with a modern, evolved twist honed over the past 20 years.
Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
Then there’s the grey wool coat, which feels odd buying in May, but you’ll be thankful for it come September. And the cream ruffled-front blouse is one of those pieces you can count on when you don’t know what to wear but want to feel pulled together, while still showing a bit of personality.
There’s also some fabulous evening wear, from a scarlet red draped and sequined mini dress to a Grecian-esque off-white silk gown that feels so special it would work even as a wedding dress. And finally, the fun unicorn distressed tee. It feels nostalgic for those early noughties times I was so immersed in, and of course, it nods to Stella’s enduring love for all things horse-inspired. I’ll be wearing it far more grown-up in 2026, tucked into a pair of her impeccably tailored pants.
Shop the rest of the collection below…
Rhinstone embellishments & frayed, layered details add a playful yet designer twist to the denim.
Stella has flirted with fruit motifs across many of her collections. This time: cherries.
You’ll find fun and whimsical as well as impeccable tailoring – two things Stella is brilliant at balancing.
Shop the full range at www.hm.com
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