Stella McCartney has become one of the most well-known and outspoken fashion designers in the world.  A vegetarian and an animal rights activist, she does not use leather or animal fur in her designs.

Stella Nina McCartney was born on September 13, 1971 in London, England and is the second of three children born to Paul McCartney and his late wife, Linda Eastman.

Stella McCartney launched her career in 1995 when she invited her friends and supermodels, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, to model at her graduation from London’s Central St. Martins College of Art & Design. Two years later she was hired as head designer at the fashion house Chloe.

In 2001 McCartney landed a joint venture with the Gucci Group, which agreed to let the young designer have her own label. She has since gone on to launch a number of different products, from lingerie and eye care, to organic skincare and perfume.

Since starting her eponymous non-leather fashion line in 2001, the designer has been an advocate for sustainable fashion. Over 50% of Stella McCartney‘s spring 2017 collection is sustainably and ethically sourced. Her London store runs on wind power, while other stores are powered by solar energy or partially by green energy.

She received the VH1/Vogue Designer of the Year Award in 2000. 

(Chloe by Stella McCartney)