LVMH, Stella McCartney in ethical fashion partnership

Stella McCartney

French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH said on Monday it reached an agreement with British designer Stella McCartney to further develop her brand, months after she ended a partnership with the group’s rival Kering.

LVMH, which owns fashion labels including Givenchy, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, gave no financial details of the deal.

“The new partners will detail the full scope of this deal in September,” said LVMH.

“Ms Stella McCartney will of course continue as creative director and ambassador of her brand, while holding majority ownership.

“The goal of this partnership will be for the Stella McCartney House to accelerate its worldwide development in terms of business and strategy, while of course remaining faithful to its long-lasting commitment to sustainable and ethical luxury fashion.

“Ms Stella McCartney will hold a specific position and role on sustainability as special advisor to Mr. Arnault and the executive committee members.

“LVMH and Stella McCartney are delighted to open this new chapter together.”

Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, said: “I am extremely happy with this partnership with Stella.

“It is the beginning of a beautiful story together, and we are convinced of the great long-term potential of her House.

“A decisive factor was that she was the first to put sustainability and ethical issues on the front stage, very early on, and built her House around these issues.

“It emphasizes LVMH Groups’ commitment to sustainability. 

“LVMH was the first large company in France to create a sustainability department, more than 25 years ago, and Stella will help us further increase awareness on these important topics.”

McCartney said: “Since the announcement of my decision to take full ownership of the Stella McCartney brand in March 2018 there have been many approaches from various parties expressing their wish to partner and invest in the Stella McCartney House.

“While these approaches were interesting none could match the conversation I had with Bernard Arnault and his son Antoine.

“The passion and commitment they expressed towards the Stella McCartney brand alongside their belief in the ambitions and our values as the global leader in sustainable luxury fashion was truly impressive.

“The chance to realise and accelerate the full potential of the brand alongside Mr Arnault and as part of the LVMH family, while still holding the majority ownership in the business, was an opportunity that hugely excited me.

“Partnering with M. Arnault, his family and LVMH is a big step for me and my family, but also the team at Stella McCartney.

“The brand has achieved so much since its launch, and this new partnership with LVMH is recognition of that work, but this I feel is just the start, and I look forward to a brilliant future together.”