I am a fashion designer. I'm not an environmentalist. When I get up in the morning, number one I'm a mother and a wife, and number two I design clothes. So the main thing I need to do is create, hopefully, exquisitely beautiful, desirable objects for my customer.

In this quote, Stella McCartney clarifies her perspective on her role as a fashion designer and the priorities that guide her work. She acknowledges that while she is committed to creating exquisite, beautiful, and desirable pieces for her customers, her primary focus is not on being an environmentalist. McCartney emphasizes that, first and foremost, she is a mother and a wife, and that these personal roles come before her work as a designer. This statement helps to humanize her, showing that her identity goes beyond her professional achievements and extends into her family life.

McCartney's words suggest that her role as a designer is driven by the goal of creating objects that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing to her customers. The beauty and desirability of the clothes she designs are key to her success. However, she does not position herself as an activist; instead, she focuses on the artistry and craftsmanship involved in the design process. This reflects her belief that her core responsibility is to deliver exceptional products to the market, rather than getting caught up in environmental advocacy, despite her known support for sustainable fashion practices.

Her distinction between being a designer and an environmentalist is important because it highlights the complexity of modern roles in the fashion industry. While McCartney is known for advocating sustainability in her collections, this quote suggests that her approach to fashion design is first and foremost about the creative process. Fashion and family are her central concerns, with her environmental efforts integrated into her designs, rather than being the defining focus of her career.

Ultimately, McCartney’s statement reveals her balanced approach to her personal and professional life. While she recognizes the importance of environmental issues in fashion, she emphasizes that the primary goal of her work is to create pieces that are aesthetically pleasing and desirable, with her roles as a mother and a wife taking precedence. This perspective shows that for McCartney, being a designer is about artistry, family, and finding harmony in all aspects of her life.