GOING WILD: Stella McCartney has tapped into her lifelong passion for horses for a short film directed by Gia Coppola, and starring Kylie Jenner.
Titled “Wild Horses,” the film underscores the themes of the fall 2026 collection and is meant to be an ode to “the power, sensitivity and freedom of the horse” and McCartney’s belief that “empathy for animals, innovation and desirability can coexist.”
In the film, Jenner is seen fully immersed in water alongside a trained horse, an image meant to honor “the care, patience and mutual respect” behind working with the animals.
“It was really important to me that I worked with people who reflect the times in which we live and had the strength to carry this conversation of consciousness and kindness forward,” said McCartney of her casting choices.
The designer also wanted to “celebrate women in this campaign. At Stella, we believe in dressing women, empowering women and giving them the choice of who they are through what they wear. Women are everything. Mother Earth is everything.”
The film, and accompanying images, also spotlight the designer’s Appaloosa bag which was inspired by the strength and spirit of Lucky Spot, McCartney’s mother Linda’s treasured stallion.
The campaign also aims to raise awareness around “the vulnerability of America’s wild horses,” continuing the brand’s longstanding advocacy for the protection, dignity and freedom of animals.
The company said a donation will be made to support equine welfare charities globally, adding the American Humane Society monitored the animals during the project, and that none were harmed.
Behind-the-scenes content, shot by McCartney, spotlights the colorful charms that debuted on the brand’s fall 2026 runway. They will be available in December, continuing McCartney’s partnership with the My Little Pony brand.
McCartney’s fall 2026 show was an ode to the horse and a majestic spectacle that took place in the arena at Société Equestrienne de Paris. “I’ll do anything I can to get near a horse, to be honest with you,” McCartney said after the show. “So I thought I’d bring them to my day job, and have equine therapy.”
During the show, a dozen horses, half of them white and the other black, cantered in formation and even rolled on the ground at the behest of horse artist Jean-François Pignon, who was behind a similar display in 2023.
“I try to remind people in the world of fashion that we don’t have to kill animals, and we can work with them,” McCartney said.