MOVING ON: Stella McCartney gave her Old Bond Street flagship a big celebratory send-off on Wednesday night, as she joined Robert De Niro, one of the greatest actors of all time, for a festive lights countdown.
After De Niro inaugurated the ceremony outside the store, Scottish singer Lulu gave a mini performance from the shop’s balcony to the friends of the house, such as Lola Clark, Bel Priestley, Tilly Clark, Marc Quinn, Sharleen Spiteri, Mary Charteris, and Tracey Ullman.
Bel Priestley, Stella McCartney and Mary Charteris.
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Stella McCartney
Guests were served with cocktails mixed with Papa Salt Gin and marshmallow sweet treats at the event, with wind-powered upcycled neon installations from past events bringing a touch of festive joy to the space.
“I’m so excited to celebrate this evening and kick off the holiday season. Having the iconic New Yorker, Robert De Niro, here to countdown the festive lights makes it extra special,” said the designer, who opened the Old Bond Street location, spanning 7,500-square-foot, in 2018 few months after splitting from Kering. She previously had a store nearby Bruton Street for 15 years.
It’s understood that the brand has secured an undiclosed location to open a new flagship next year, and the store on Old Bond Street, which McCartney and her team designed themselves, will close by the end of 2025.
Robert De Niro
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Stella McCartney
“You’re the first to hear that our new London flagship will open next year; until then, enjoy the Stellabration,” she added.
At the time of its opening, the designer said the flagship on Old Bond Street is about humility and authenticity, the antique and the high-tech. There’s also a dash of Paul McCartney rhythm on the spiral staircase; lessons from Bob Roth, the designer’s meditation teacher, piped into a dressing room — and a metaphorical bear hug awaiting all customers.
