Eva Mendes is basking in the glory of her 51st birthday, and she’s doing it in the most stylish way possible. The actress, author, and now fashion icon took to Instagram to share stunning photos from her latest campaign with Stella McCartney. “My new campaign and my new age just dropped!” she captioned the post, marking both her birthday and her collaboration with the esteemed designer. In the photos, Mendes looks absolutely radiant, striking a confident pose in a breathtaking sheer silk maxi dress from McCartney’s summer 2025 collection. The dress, which retails for $3,600, features a single cape sleeve, a high-slit skirt, and intricate wrapped and knotted details, accentuating her natural elegance. The campaign not only showcases Mendes’ timeless beauty but also highlights her partnership with a brand that deeply resonates with her values.
“Today, I’m 51 and so grateful for all the reasons,” Mendes continued in her caption. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation for Stella McCartney, praising the designer for creating “the most beautiful, cruelty-free clothing that I feel so great in.” Mendes has had the privilege of working with some of the most amazing designers throughout her career, but she revealed that she’s “never felt sexier” than when she’s wearing McCartney’s creations. This sentiment speaks volumes about the confidence and empowerment that comes from aligning with a brand that shares her values. For Mendes, it’s not just about the clothes—it’s about the message behind them, and Stella McCartney’s commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion clearly resonates with her on a deeper level.
While Mendes couldn’t attend McCartney’s fall 2025 presentation during Paris Fashion Week, she had a very good reason for missing it. “I hate that I can’t be there at your fashion show today, but I have the best reason in the world—I’m with my family,” she wrote, prioritizing her loved ones above all else. This moment of vulnerability and authenticity in her post highlights her role as a mother of two and her commitment to balancing her career and personal life. Mendes’ decision to stay home with her family over a high-profile event speaks to her humility and the importance she places on her role as a parent. Despite her busy schedule and professional commitments, family remains her top priority.
Mendes ended her birthday post on a heartfelt note, saying, “Sending out loads of love today and every day 💕💕.” Her fans and followers reciprocated the love, flooding the comments with admiration and praise. “51 never looked so good 🔥🔥,” wrote one user, while another commented, “51….and fabulous 🤍.” The outpouring of support reflects Mendes’ ability to connect with her audience on a personal level, transcending her status as a celebrity. Her authenticity and positivity have fostered a loyal fanbase that celebrates her for who she is, both on and off the screen.
This isn’t the first time Mendes has worked with Stella McCartney. She previously starred in the brand’s winter 2024 campaign, titled “It’s About F—g Time,” where she modeled earth-friendly looks such as a croc-embossed trench coat priced at $6,000 and a chic pale pink fuzzy jacket. Mendes has been vocal about the significance of this partnership, explaining in a prior Instagram post how working with an environmentally conscious and cruelty-free brand like McCartney has been a “game-changer” for her. “Being involved with such an environmentally conscious brand that is cruelty-free in all ways has been a game changer for me on a cellular level,” she wrote, reflecting on the opportunity. This partnership clearly means more to Mendes than just another professional gig; it’s an alignment of her personal values and her public image.
In recent years, Mendes has been candid about her thoughts on aging and self-confidence. In an October interview with The Times, she shared that she still feels “f—king sexy at times,” a sentiment she attributes, in part, to her husband, actor Ryan Gosling. “The way my man looks at me is just … at times I’m like, ‘Oh my God,’” Mendes confessed. “That might not sit well with people, but so much of how I feel is a reflection of what he’s giving me.” This statement offers a glimpse into her personal life and the support she receives from her partner. Mendes’ openness about her experiences with aging and marriage not only humanizes her but also inspires her audience to embrace self-love and confidence regardless of age.
As Mendes celebrates another year of life and a thriving partnership with Stella McCartney, her latest campaign serves as a testament to her enduring appeal and her ability to embody elegance and empowerment. Whether she’s gracing the pages of a fashion magazine or simply sharing her thoughts on social media, Mendes continues to prove that 51 is just a number—and it’s never looked better. Her journey through life, love, and career is a reminder that true beauty and confidence only grow with time.
