PARIS, Mar 6, 2006/ FW/ --- With models uncharacteristically smiling, Stella McCartney’s Fall 2006 collection previewed last Thursday here is Paris is optimistic, lively and full of life.

Capes, trench coats and day jackets were cut wide; woolen knits providing the warmth for a cold winter. Sweaters with wide lapels worked as extra long vests and short-cropped denim jackets embellished with zips & buckles offered chic looks without going over the top.

McCartney who is well known as an animal rights activist and continues to refuse to work with leather and fur continues to prove that a winter collection does not necessarily need animal skin to be successful.

Long-sleeved jumpsuits, knit sweater dresses and turtleneck empire dresses look all ready for the crisp cold days of fall and winter.

Trousers were lean and suit jackets while cut snug were relaxed fitting. Denim jeans, which also made an appearance in this collection, were also proposed in the same slim silhouette.

Eveningwear was sophisticated with a girlish charm, like the spaghetti strap cocktail dress adorned with gigantic sequins and the turtleneck empire mini with a deep V neck shape provided with tiny box pleated ruffles.

From beginning to end, all the models wore a smile. Perhaps, they knew something that the audience did not know. Because when the Gucci Group announced its financial statement recently, it was noted “Stella McCartney's losses last year were down to £950,000 ($1,384,102) from £3.17 million ($4.62 million) the previous year. This lead the Gucci group to announce that she is on track to be profitable next year.”

According to the same news report, “analysts claim that the slow turn-around was due to her refusal to use leather and fur – 90% of households' budget for luxury goods goes on shoes and handbags.”

Maybe the analysts are right. But, with a collection like this, Stella definitely has her groove going.

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney