The Swedish retailer and the British designer are joining forces again to launch a spring collection.
Summary
- H&M and Stella McCartney are reuniting for a second collaboration launching in Spring 2026, marking nearly 20 years since their debut partnership in 2005.
- The collection was previewed on the red carpet at The Fashion Awards in London, worn by high-profile talent including Emily Ratajkowski, Yasmin Wijnaldum, and Alton Mason.
- Beyond clothing, the partnership introduces an “Insights Board” dedicated to transparency, animal welfare, and innovation-driven solutions within the industry.
The red carpet at the Fashion Awards in London often serves as a barometer for who is wearing what, but this year it doubled as a billboard for breaking industry news. Amidst the flashbulbs and wet London pavement, H&M signaled its return to the high-fashion collaboration circuit by announcing a reunion with Stella McCartney.
It is a partnership that carries significant weight. When the duo first joined forces in November 2005, they helped write the blueprint for the mass-market meets luxury frenzies that defined the mid-aughts. Now, almost exactly two decades later, they are circling back. Scheduled for a Spring 2026 release, the upcoming collection leans heavily into that shared history. The line draws directly from McCartney’s design DNA, reviving house codes and archival silhouettes that feel particularly relevant given the current appetite for early 2000s aesthetics.
We got a first look at the clothes on a roster of industry heavyweights at the awards ceremony. Emily Ratajkowski arrived in what could be described as the ultimate LBD, a piece defined by a draped cape detail across the shoulders.
The lineup of muses did not stop there. Yasmin Wijnaldum appeared in a floor-length slip featuring a halter neck, constructed from a beige, sparkly lace and crystal-effect fabric that channeled a distinct noughties energy. Anitta opted for a custom twist on an item from the upcoming collection, wearing a red gown with a looping silhouette that connected the shoulder to the hemline. Others spotting the new looks included Bel Priestley, Alton Mason, and Kiara Nirghin.
While the visual cues nod to the past, the manufacturing focuses on the future. The range utilizes certified, responsible materials and recycled content to offer alternatives to conventional fabrics. This aligns with the broader scope of the project. H&M and McCartney are looking to reconceptualize the standard designer collaboration format. Instead of just dropping a capsule and moving on, this partnership includes the formation of an Insights Board. This initiative aims to gather diverse voices from the fashion sector to generate discussion around animal welfare and innovation. The goal is to move beyond product creation and foster a space for industry-wide listening and transparency.
McCartney views the project as a dual opportunity for reflection and progress.
“Reworking pieces from my archive brought back so much energy and joy,” McCartney shared. “This second partnership feels like a chance to look at how far we’ve come on sustainability, cruelty-free practices and conscious designs – and to stay honest about how far we still have to go – together.”
For the Swedish retailer, the collaboration is a nod to McCartney’s long-standing position on environmental responsibility. Ann-Sofie Johansson at H&M noted the designer’s impact.
“Stella’s moral compass and tireless commitment to sustainable practices have long inspired all of us at H&M, so it’s an honour to partner with her on such an ambitious project.”
