Stella McCartney shows raffia dresses and feathery gowns in Paris

 Stella McCartney showed a summer collection packed with cocktail dresses in new, feathery materials, further expanding the range of textures used by her label, known for an ecological bent.

"This collection was about coming together, bringing together handwork, craft, bringing together different innovations," McCartney told Reuters after the show.

The show kicked off with actor Helen Mirren stepping out of the front row to read the lyrics of the Beatles song "Come Together."

British actress Helen Mirren reads a presentation prior to the start of Stella McCartney's fashion show. Photos: AFP

"I thought, 'oh, what fun, that would be great'," Mirren said backstage, after the show, recalling the request from McCartney to take part.

"But when I was sitting there, I started getting really nervous."

Models moved quickly down the runway, parading short dresses made from piles of raffia and pastel gowns in an airy plant-based feather alternative. There were also double-breasted suits with sharp shoulders, short skirts with extra flounce and slouchy jeans. Known for her use of alternatives to leather and fur, McCartney in January announced she would repurchase LVMH's minority stake in her label, but would continue to advise the French luxury conglomerate on sustainability matters. Paris Fashion Week, which started on Monday and has featured shows from Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton, runs through October 7. Upcoming designer debuts will include fashion houses Chanel, Balenciaga and Loewe.

Reuters