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Sometimes you have to reconcile your past to move forward with your future. For Stella McCartney, her past creations at the helm of Chloé birthed iconic turn-of-the-millennium styles that were not only oft-imitated but have made a major comeback thanks to Gen Z’s obsession with Y2K style. But she was the progenitor. It was exhilarating to see her pluck some of the most legendary moments from her infamous Chloé Spring 2000 collection for her Spring/Summer 2023 show. We’re talking, of course, about those swinging gold chain tops. This time around she paired them with boxy, oversized blazers and bias-cut skirts, proving the look had room to grow up.

Another smart Y2K-era look featuring a shrunken black vest and low-slung trousers with crystal-trimmed cut-outs over the hips was worn by Bella Hadid, the poster-girl for early aughts cool. Speaking of cool, the show’s vegan leather pieces were stellar and came in both body-skimming and relaxed silhouettes. Denim was also fun, showcasing ripped jackets, slouchy jeans with holes in the knees, and versions finished with faux leather chaps. 

The show also included a tie-in with the works of Yoshitomo Nara’s big-eyed girl illustrations and activist slogans. One t-shirt was emblazoned with the theme of the show, “Change the History!”, a phrase plucked from Nara himself. 

Additionally, McCartney reached an important milestone. The collection was made with 87% conscious material. The ‘Frayme Mylo’, for instance, was made from mycelium, while the ‘S-Wave’ bag was made from a grape-based leather alternative. She also showed the luxury industry’s first-ever regenerative cotton garments. The show’s carbon emissions were offset at a personal cost to the brand. From the cleverly self-referential Y2K pieces and slinky suits to the collective tees and conscious design elements, this collection ticked all the right boxes.