Will the Queen’s Guards Wear Stella McCartney?

One of the most iconic images in the UK is on the verge of possibly getting an overhaul—at the hands of Stella McCartney, no less.

According to reports, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is meeting with Peter Luff, the UK’s minister for defense equipment, to propose that the Queen’s Guards (above) trade in their big furry bear hats for vegan plastic-fiber hats designed by Stella McCartney.

“Historically, England has a very high regard for animals, so it makes perfect sense that the MoD should continue shedding ceremonial furs from uniforms,” McCartney told the Telegraph. “Initially the big bear fur hats were intended to make soldiers look taller as they marched over hills in battle, but they haven’t been worn in action for over a hundred years. I’ve been working on this with Peta for a few years now and am really happy with the final product, as I hope the MoD will be when they see it.”

The plastic hats are cheaper, lighter, and “the bears will certainly be happier,” said PETA SVP Dan Matthews.

Stella McCartney passion for animal welfare appears to be the force behind her Bambi-inspired ad campaign for autumn. The campaign, shot by Ryan McGinley in the woods of Worcestershire, England, features cinema’s most famous deer and his pals Thumper, Friend Owl, Flower the skunk — and assorted butterflies and bluebirds. “I’m a huge Bambi fan, and the film reminds me of my mum,” said McCartney, referring to the late Linda McCartney. “And we wanted to have some fun. The clothes in the campaign are looking quite fierce, and we wanted to contrast them with the innocence of Bambi,” she added. Model Sigrid Agren is pictured stroking a live fox, while the Disney characters have been layered onto the photos. The art direction was done by McCartney’s in-house team, together with Partner and Partner in London. The ads will break as double-page spreads in the September issues of French, Italian and British Vogue, V and Another Magazine.

Sir Paul McCartney offered a recipe for vegetarian living in London Monday. The former Beatle and his designer daughter Stella hosted a luncheon at a restaurant in St. James’ Park, to support “Meat Free Monday,” their initiative to encourage Brits to down their steak knives in favor of vegetarian options at least one day a week. “America and Australia have also brought to light the damage [the meat industry] is causing to our planet, so even if you take one day a week to be a vegetarian then this will make a dramatic difference,” said the musician. “Our family has been like this for years — vegetarian, that is.” Yoko Ono, Kate Bosworth and Kelly Osbourne attended the green gathering and grazed on Linda McCartney mini sausages, burgers and a range of vibrant seasonal greens.

Stella McCartney has teamed up with shopping charity Buy Once Give Twice. McCartney has donated A Whatever It Takes Book Tote featuring artwork that represents a ‘Symbol of Hope’ with her signature on the bag. This bag is exclusive in the UK to BuyOnceGiveTwice and comes with a letter of authenticity.

BuyOnceGiveTwice is a network through which people can buy lovely things and benefit charity at the same time. It’s a win-win situation. Charities and bona fide good causes can auction lots on the site that you can upload yourself. Charity supporters (individual people or companies) can auction items through the company – it’s a great way of donating to charity without actually writing a cheque. Buyers can bag themselves items which range from the everyday to the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And it feels good to be giving, by buying.

The annual British Fashion Awards at Lawrence Hall, handed Stella McCartney Designer of the Year award; only the fifth time a women has taken the award in 20 years! Vivienne Westwood recieved the Outstanding Achievement Award and Anya Hindmarch took the award for Best Designer Brand. Not surprisingly, Marc Jacobs store was awarded Best Retail Concept. The British Fashion Awards are an industry event sponsored by the British Fashion Council.

Are designer colloborations a marketing gimmick fostered by “common-place” brands running out of ideas and credibility?

The number of designer colloborations has increased exponentially over the past year or so, particularly in the footwear industry, and the main emphasise appears to be for the “common-place” brands to hook up with a respected designer or fashion house. Adidas/McCartney, Puma/McQueen, Nike/Nigo, Puma/Evisu etc.

What next! Converse and Prada!  Footlocker and Tods! or perhaps Gola and Gucci!