PARIS, Mar 8, 2005/ FW/ --- As expected, Stella McCartney was absent during her Fall 2005 runway presentation being a new mum and all (her son Miller was born barely a week before), but her presence was very much felt in the mom-to-be inspired collection.

No, it is not about pregnant women! Don’t even think maternity here! Stella McCartney and her design team played with volume, as in hobble skirts and empire blouses, including the kimono inspired coats.

It’s about comfort and chic city wear for very busy women, who go to work from 9 to 5, and attend parties or go to dinner after 6:00 PM.

It’s not your everyday office wear either. Loose fitting tapered pants worn with a V-neck knit shirt and a matching suit jacket, loose fitting of course is a fashion statement and not a boardroom uniform.

Herringbone coats with mock turtlenecks tucked loosely at the waist to become bubble skirts that ends just above the knee.

Mini cocktail dresses that either came strapless or dropped shoulders can easily be covered by one of those short-cropped jackets with wide lapels and big collars loosely tailored to look like a cape do double duty as daywear and eveningwear. Just lose the jacket and voila, you are ready to paint the town red.

Stiletto boots that came in two lengths – just below the knee and above the knee, together with patent leather stacked heel pumps were proposed for footwear. Must have bag is the black tote with a chain strap complete with little purses that hang out for your electronic gadgets or lipstick.

And like almost everyone this season, the collection is very commercially viable. As noted in several articles in the dailies on both sides of the Atlantic, China’s emerging fashion industry is forcing fashion houses in New York, Milan and Paris to think of customer satisfaction more than ever.

Stella McCartney heard the bugle call and followed it.

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney