Clothing designers may not be best known for their ability to create pieces that are particularly practical for we average Joe types.

I mean, I have been extolling the virtues of the final Alexander McQueen collection to all and sundry, but I don’t think any of us here at the Secret Sales office are particularly likely to be nipping out for a pint of milk in a pair of gold-dipped wings anytime soon.

That’s why it’s all the more exciting that the autumn/winter 2010 Stella McCartney collection that was showcased on Monday (March 8th) at Paris Fashion Week included pieces that we could all actually wear.

Sharply tailored, beautifully-cut jackets, chic shift dresses with floaty sleeves and stunning backless cocktail numbers crafted from the softest silk, all made up this totally wearable collection.

Over at Grazia magazine, Siobhan Mallen perfectly summed it up: "McCartney nailed what the modern woman wants to wear right now - luxurious, beautifully-cut clothes that don’t vie with their wearer for attention, yet are not too classic or bland and have a subtle sex appeal."

Stella McCartney has been a personal favourite of mine for many years, not only did I love what she did at Chloe, but I think the passionate anti-fur stance that she takes is something to be applauded.

Well done, Stella!

Do you find that high-fashion designer clothing is sometimes difficult to wear?

All hail Chanel!

Not only have they been one of my long-time favourite designer clothing brands, but they have now proven that there is definitely no future for fur in fashion.

In a truly breathtaking show, Chanel models strutted through fake icebergs that wouldn’t look out of place in the Arctic at the iconic French designer’s Paris Fashion Week event yesterday (March 9th).

And while the models were wrapped up in a beautiful collection of furry creations, I am ecstatic to report that no animals had to suffer in the process, as all of the fur that was used in the show was fake.

Classic Chanel suits were trimmed with fur and even the iconic chain-strapped quilted bags, popular with celebrities the world over, were given a furry addition for the autumn/winter 2010 line.

I’m personally hoping for another big freeze next year so that I can get my hands on a pair of the knee-high yeti boots that were fashioned on the Paris catwalk.

The best thing about this collection is that even though the fur is fake, it is still luxurious and elegant, while being animal-friendly.

"One of the most beautiful furs in the world is Chanel’s fake fur," Karl Lagerfeld told The Associated Press.

"This fake fur gives a very beautiful new volume. It’s a pleasure to touch and to wear it. It’s light and warm."

Chanel now joins the likes of clothing designers such as Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren, who have openly expressed their dislike for using fur for fashion.

Do you think it’s cruel to use fur for fashion?

Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Stella McCartney were just some of the stars who turned out to pay their respects to iconic clothing designer Alexander McQueen at his funeral on Thursday (February 25th).

Since it emerged that the designer had taken his life, tributes for the star have been flooding in from all across the globe and yesterday was the last chance for friends, family and fellow celebrities to say goodbye to this fashion legend.

Several members of the McQueen party arrived at the ceremony wearing the iconic family tartan, which was featured in the designer’s Highland Rape show back in 2006.

And despite the sombre occasion, celebrity fashionistas made sure they turned out to the ceremony sporting the latest trends.

Kate Moss opted for a black fur stole and Louboutin heels, while Naomi Campbell showcased the shoulder pad trend, paired with a flamboyant black hat and gloves.

Stella McCartney chose a cropped black jacket with straight leg jeans and boots.

It is thought that a memorial service for the iconic designer will take place later in the year.

However, this is yet to be confirmed by the label’s spokesman, who said that they are currently concentrating on the upcoming March 9th show at Paris Fashion Week, which is set to remember McQueen’s life through his fashion.

As you all know, we here at Secret Sales HQ love nothing more than seeing British clothing designers find success.

That’s why we’re absolutely thrilled that last night’s Bafta awards ceremony seemed to be something of a triumph in the British designer clothing stakes.

It came as no surprise to us that a number of stars chose to pay tribute to the wonderful late Alexander McQueen, with the quirky Jaime Winstone particularly standing out in a beautiful Grecian number by the iconic designer.

Classic British designer Burberry also proved popular with celebrities attending the event, with the luxury brand being fashioned by both Claire Danes and nominee Saiorse Ronan.

However, the outfit that really stood out for me was that of Kate Winslet, who absolutely oozed red carpet glamour in a breathtaking black and lace Stella McCartney number.

But it’s perhaps not surprising that so many celebrities rocked out pieces by British designers at the awards ceremony.

It was recently announced that Bafta had joined forces with the British Fashion Council in order to allow actresses to collaborate with designers to find the perfect gown for the event.

Lucy Yeomans, editor of Harper’s Bazaar magazine and chair of the British Fashion Council’s press committee, told the Guardian: "The red carpet is so important to both the film industry and to the fashion industry. If we can put together a young actress with an up-and-coming designer and they get to know and understand each other, that could be a relationship that lasts 20 years."

Who do you think stood out at the Baftas?

As you all know, I would do absolutely anything to look fabulous and I just love picking up the hottest designer clothing trends at events such as New York Fashion Week.

But I have to draw the line at fur - in my opinion there is certainly nothing fabulous about wearing a dead animal.

However, it would appear that I am in the minority as a whole host of clothing designers have featured fur in their new collections that have been showcased at New York Fashion Week.

Zac Posen set off his collection with fur coats, while Carolina Herrera used mink, fox and sable in her luxury range.

Peter Som and newcomer Prabal Gurung also added fur coats to their catwalk creations.

In my opinion, an innocent animal should not have to pay the price for us fashionistas looking great.

Perhaps these catwalk kings and queens should take a leaf out of some of the more compassionate clothing designer’s books.

Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren and Marc Bouwer have all been applauded by us here at Secret Sales HQ as these designers all refuse to work with real fur and instead use beautiful alternatives such as faux fur to add a touch of glamour.

Do you think designers such ditch the fur altogether?