Stella McCartney’s debut bridal wear range is the sustainable collection we’ve been waiting for

If you’re thinking of a stuffy, over-the-top wedding gown, Stella McCartney’s first ever bridal collection might make you reconsider. The “Made with Love” collection offers a modern approach to bridalwear with 17 exclusive pieces, all in-keeping with the brand’s celebrated ethos for sustainability and ethically-sourced garments.

It might come as a surprise to learn that this isn’t the first time you’ve seen her bridal work. McCartney opted to make a greater entrée to the world of bridalwear this past May, at the Royal Wedding to be precise. After the grand affair in Windsor Castle, Meghan Markle changed from her ceremony dress by Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller into an ivory silk-crepe dress by McCartney with a high neck, an open back, and a short, party-ready train. 

Brides can now order an exact replica of Markle’s dress if they wish or choose from a selection of traditional white and ivory gowns, a smart tuxedo suit, an all-over lace jumpsuit, a powerful cape dress and a glitzy, party-ready mini number; all of which are now available. The 17-piece bridal collection reimagines wedding dressing for the modern woman; a new perspective on the traditional that is effortless, confident and naturally sexy, made with signature Stella attitude.

Some looks are low-key, the double-breasted tuxedo jacket, for instance, to be worn by a London socialite in an up-market private restaurant affair. While other styles – an ivory full-lace jumpsuit complete with a satin sash – simply demand to be worn in a decadent ceremony venue or a faraway beach in a tropical climate. There’s both a contemporary and timelessness feeling to the collection that commands attention, whether or not you’re a bride-to-be.

Probably the most environmentally conscious high-fashion designer, Stella McCartney has devoted her company to a no leather, no fur, no skin, no feather policy, and these are rules that her bridal collection also adheres to (Stella McCartney was the first luxury designer to collaborate with Adidas on a completely vegan leather shoe in September of this year). “When I designed this collection, I took some classic Stella McCartney pieces and relooked at them and reenergized them with the spirit that is now in the future of weddings—the modern bride’s approach to her dress,” McCartney said to Vogue on the launch of the collection. “It was important to me to embody the core values of our house, so the collection has elements of sustainability as well. It is not just for one type of bride; it is truly made with love”, she continued.

Each piece is available by appointment only from one of 12 Stella McCartney stores around the world, but two styles will be exclusively available from Brown Thomas, including the dress worn by Meghan Markle, below.