I have to be honest, there are few words that get me up and out the door (quickly, mind you) like “Stella McCartney event at Journelle”. That little sentence made braving the high-heeled hordes that typically takeover Soho on Fashion’s Night Out more than worth it.
Well, that sentence and the fact my lingerie partner-in-crime, Esther, asked me to cover the event. I mean, how could I say no?
I’m not sure there’s anyone out there who is a bigger fan of Stella McCartney lingerie. (If there is, please keep it to yourself. I want to win this one.) Aside from being the daughter of rock royalty, the woman is a genius. Her eponymous line is known for ultra-flattering long-line bustiers, come-hither demi bras, high waisted panties, low-slung bikinis and lace, lace, lace! With each piece more exquisite than the next you can’t help but feel it was made with love, and created just. for. you. (Perhaps you remember mine + Esther’s borderline unhealthy obsession with the Irene Gardening bustier summer 2011?) For FNO, Journelle was debuting McCartney’s new, eco-minded, sliiiiiightly more budget conscious but ever-so-stylish line “Stella” to a small—read VIP—crowd.
The event had all of the makings of a great night. First off, there was an ever-so-slight chill in the air, so naturally I needed my leather jacket. Then, when I walked in to the shop the DJ was spinning Temper Trap's ‘Sweet Disposition’—an epic entrance/exit song). With the stage set, of course the first person I saw upon entering was my favorite shopgirl Carrie. Finally, there was the lingerie…
“Stella” may trend as a more basic line but the seductive shapes (balconnet, plunge, molded underwire, strapless + supernatural) and styles of python, lace and interesting tonal textures are anything but. Though the collection is meant for everyday wear (it’s promoted as one of the lightest + most invisible collections on the market), Stella—in its styling—is every bit as luxe, romantic and fashion forward as its sister brand. I should know as between cocktails and lingerie gos' I managed to inspect each piece from the new collection.
Here are a few informative gems about Stella:
- There’s an eco-friendly element to the collection, which is made of French Calais lace + silk with organic cotton gussets and recycled metal hardware. So now you can go green even with your lingerie.
- Stella’s secondary focus is on comfort (let’s assume primary is on style). The bra cups come in 8MM foam making them 25% lighter than your average bra. Hello lightweight lingerie! And all the pieces are incredibly soft. I’m not usually a big fan of comfort in fashion, but I think Ms. McCartney is about to change my mind.
And while we’re at it, I’ve never been one to turn down Stella’s signature Leopard print so why start now?
For layering, and yes, I guess for sleeping, the Stella chemise in Python print will be my new go-to item.
It should be mentioned here that the gals at Journelle really know how to throw an event complete with a killer soundtrack (‘Private Eyes’ mixing in with a little Outkast and MJ for good measure) and delicious cocktails. For the truly ambitious there was an Instagram contest with the winner taking home a sick goodie bag of—what else—Stella. Now, I am usually a pretty voracious ‘grammer BUT it just so happens that Journelle is the only place in the city where Verizon goes on strike. At least on my iPhone. Thanksverymuchforthatbytheway. So no [free] Stella for me.
However, I will be back for this little number. It’s the Stella McCartney Cherie Sneezing (yes, sneezing) in fuchsia, available in October. Maybe I’ll Instagram that. (Kidding.)
Puzzle pins from Stella McCartney's Winter 2012 Campaign
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All photos courtesy of Allison Beale.
