LONDON •Fashion designer Stella McCartney unveiled her first menswear collection on Thursday at London's famous Abbey Road recording studio, where she promised men a more free and fun wardrobe.

She chose to present the collection at the recording studio made famous by her father Paul McCartney and his three fellow Beatles when they named one of their albums after Abbey Road.

The fashion show referenced the 1969 album cover, which shows the band members walking across the road, by parading models over the same white stripes to photographers' flashes.

McCartney said the venue was special both for its musical and family ties.

"It really means a lot to our family, this studio... seeing and hearing what's been created here, the best music in the world. It's such an iconic place. So many people have recorded here," she said.

Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Manic Street Preachers and Blur are just some of the other bands to have recorded at Abbey Road in recent years.

McCartney, who trained at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, has built a reputation as a designer, but has only just decided to enter the world of menswear.

The collection shown ranged from playful casualwear, such as blue pinstripe pyjama-like shirts and bright yellow socks, to more formal tailoring, including a black suit and camel overcoat.

"The challenge has been just to look at how men dress, and also not overthinking it," she said.

"We want them to be a bit freer and having more fun with their wardrobe and also have timeless beautiful pieces at the same time."

The launch was attended by British celebrities such as actress Anna Friel and rapper M.I.A, as well as models Kate Moss and Twiggy. Run-DMC played the well-known track Walk This Way.

McCartney's womenswear collection for spring 2017 was also unveiled at the event.

REUTERS