Stella McCartney Label Parts Ways with LVMH, Designer Stays On as Sustainability Ambassador

Stella McCartney, the British luxury fashion brand known for its commitment to sustainability, has announced that it will be parting ways with its parent company, LVMH. The brand, founded by the eponymous designer, will be returning to its independent status after a decade-long partnership with the French luxury conglomerate. However, McCartney will remain with the brand as its creative director and will also take on a new role as LVMH's special advisor on sustainability.

The decision to split from LVMH comes as no surprise, given McCartney's long-standing commitment to sustainability and ethical luxury fashion. The designer has been a vocal advocate for the industry to adopt more sustainable practices, and her brand has been at the forefront of this movement. McCartney's appointment as LVMH's special advisor on sustainability is a testament to the brand's influence and the importance of sustainability in the luxury fashion industry.



The brand's commitment to sustainability has not only been a moral imperative but also a business strategy that has paid off. According to the brand's 2019 financial report, Stella McCartney UK Limited, the British arm of the brand, saw a 10% decrease in revenue to £3819 million, but its profit margin remained stable at 69%. The brand's focus on sustainable materials, ethical sourcing, and circular fashion has resonated with consumers, particularly the younger generation who are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the fashion industry.



LVMH, on the other hand, has been criticized for not doing enough to address sustainability in the luxury fashion industry. The conglomerate, which owns a portfolio of luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Fendi, has been under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. McCartney's appointment as special advisor on sustainability is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether LVMH will take more concrete actions to address sustainability in the luxury fashion industry.

The luxury fashion industry is at a crossroads, with consumers increasingly demanding sustainable and ethical products. Brands that fail to adapt to this changing landscape risk losing market share to more sustainable competitors. Stella McCartney's decision to part ways with LVMH and continue to prioritize sustainability is a bold move that could pay off in the long run. As for LVMH, the conglomerate must now decide whether it will follow suit and make sustainability a core part of its business strategy.