Stella vs Phoebe: Spring It On

by Fauzia Musa

Stella McCartney Spring 2010

Stella McCartney’s Spring ‘10 collection has received rave reviews, but so has Stella’s ex-protégé Phoebe Philo who’s already made many ripples in the fashion pond after the ex-Stella assistant’s turnaround of Chloé after McCartney’s departure.

Philo’s debut as Celine’s new creative director has been subject to critical anticipation after a three-year sabbatical , despite her reputation of having a knack for wearable runway lines. But Philo didn’t disappoint. Leather and silk-trousers were signature for the designer’s vision for Celine’s comeback as an up-market signature style option for women, deviating from Chloé’s more girly-oriented aesthetic.

McCartney and Philo were known to be bosom-buddies particularly when McCartney hired Philo as her chief assistant during her tenure at Chloé. But when she left to start her own label, Philo’s appointment to replace McCartney created a stir, especially when Philo’s success drowned out McCartney’s work.

Phoebe Philo’s return to the runway is treading the press airwaves without huge impact. Both Philo and McCartney’s collections have received praise and The Guardian even commented on the similarities in both collections. Rose gold, khaki, tobacco, and ivory graced both designers’ lines though Stella’s pieces were a bit more subdued than Phoebe’s.

The fashion world, consumers to designers, has much to look forward to now that Phoebe’s back on the scene with her ready-to-wear bold cuts. Maybe Stella might even be a bit unnerved, she had three years to do her own thing: now that Phoebe’s back, so is Stella’s competition.