Stella McCartney and Madonna Get Their (Vegan) Kicks

Stella McCartney just slapped Madonna’s ass, and I can die now.

Except I can’t, because there’s work to be done—specifically, a run-down of McCartney’s new shoes, which Madonna pronounced “comfy!” Monday night at her London boutique.

The new kicks are Adidas Stan Smiths, stamped with tiny stars, and trimmed with burgundy and blue ribbon up the back. They’re also totally vegan—a first for the classic sneaker—“and that took a lot of convincing, and a lot of work to get them just right,” says McCartney, who’s famous for her sustainable fabrics and commitment to harm-free materials.

Adidas Originals

McCartney tested the shoes herself during weekly workouts. “I would horseback ride a lot, I run, I do yoga—I’m actually pretty good!” she smiles. “I can do a full headstand.” McCartney can also do cartwheels, a skill she remembered “because my daughter just learned. There’s something about being seven, when you’re so excited to just go upside-down. Now she wants to do it all the time. It’s the privilege of being a kid, I guess.”

I admit to McCartney that despite being in my 30s, I wear some of her kids’ line. It fits (shout-out to size XL!), it’s super cute, and it’s far cheaper than the runway range. “Listen,” she says, “I know that women out there are wearing it. Certainly, [the company] wants you to wear the adult line, but I think it’s cool, and it’s a huge compliment, that it appeals to all ages. Kind of like Stan Smiths.” She makes a face. “Wow, I really brought it back around there!”

Adidas Originals

It’s fine, because the shoes really are cool—so cool, they’re almost all sold out of… well… everywhere. (Pro tip: East Coast, email madisonave.store@stellamccartney.com; West Coast, try @costamesa.store@stellamccartney.com; both locations ship nationwide.) “Also, they have my face on the tongue; see?” Stella says, holding the illustration up to her face. “Honestly, I feel like this was the most difficult part of the design process. My face on the shoe, just like Stan Smith’s. I kind of panicked.” No need—it’s a good likeness, and her hair has the whole shiny / bouncy / famous person vibe, on the shoe and IRL. How can we get ours like that? “Easy,” she says. “Go vegan!”