(Left) The Ferris wheel and carnival light up the sky outside the Stella McCartney store. (Right) The night’s hosts, Heather Washburne, Elisa Summers and Nasiba Adilova Mackie, pictured with designer Stella McCartney at center right.
This Tuesday, Highland Park Village was transformed into a magical carnival filled with the sounds of giddy children snacking on cotton candy, a hometown band and the twinkle of lights from an adorned Ferris wheel. Co-hosts Nasiba Adilova Mackie, Heather Washburne and Elisa Summers hosted designer, Stella McCartney and guests of all ages for a night to remember.
Guests were rewarded with some of Stella’s favorite things after participating in carnival games.
Dallas-based band, Loyal Sally, entertained with live music as carnival goers enjoyed vegan friendly snacks and sliders, elixirs, spirits and treats from Soulgood, Don Julio, Royal Blue Grocery and more.
Local band, Loyal Sally, entertains the crowd.
Soulgood vegan sliders were among the treats served throughout the evening.
Stella McCartney not only brought the fun to the Lone Star State, but she also unveiled her new Rainbow Pop Falabella Handbag Collection. We got a chance to catch up with the designer about that and then some.
Limited Edition Rainbow Pop Falabella Bag Collection and Phone Cases.
STELLA MCCARTNEY: You know, they all individually come together collectively and I identify with each one of them in some way.
HPV: Your Falabella bag is so iconic - why do you feel this particular piece resonates so well with people?
SM: I think the design really captures all different sides of women. There is a timeless element to it. It’s very chic and the sloppiness of it is quite emotional and effortless. And at the same time it has the chain detail that has a hardness to it and an edge. I just find it has every little part of all of us.
HPV: How do your day to day experiences as a mother influence your designs for your children’s line?
SM: I think in the beginning it was very much that having kids you realize they grow out of clothes really quickly, they trash stuff really quickly and you want it to be their personality. I think there’s a stage happening at the moment where parents are dressing their children as a reflection of their own ego a lot of the times. So for me, I want kids to be able to love it, wear it, throw it in the washing machine and have it be a reasonable price point. I also want it to be something that is alive and cool, yet still kind of precious.
HPV: You are known for your collections being fur-free and leather-free. Why do you think you are one of the only luxury designers focused on building a sustainable and eco-friendly brand.
SM: This is my biggest challenge every single day when I go to work. To approach luxury fashion in this kind of way is unheard of, so it’s still very new, sadly. I work hard to do the best I can in making it not look like it’s a non-leather bag or shoe but it is very challenging. It’s very important to me personally so it’s how I’m going to always approach the business.
HPV: Being that you are visiting Dallas, what do you enjoy most about seeing your brand reflected in the Dallas lifestyle?
SM: For me, it’s always fun to see the variety - the different ages, backgrounds and sizes - and then to see the different collections and seasons come together on women that really enjoy the clothes. That’s really all I want.
Models in the Stella McCartney Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear Collection.
All images courtesy of Dana Drensky.