Alexander McQueen’s ultra-covetable new accessories
As one of the fashion world’s most celebrated designers, Sarah Burton is adept at weaving magical narratives through everything from ready-to-wear to accessories. The result? Covetable pieces to cherish forever. Discover the latest additions to her accessory repertoire
“Each look tells its own story,” says Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton. Beauty, romance, craftmanship and storytelling have come to define Burton’s tenure at the British house, as season after season she explores magical themes and recasts them as exquisitely cut, love-forever pieces. It makes perfect sense, then, that her latest handbag is named The Story Shoulder Bag.
Crafted from supple leather, it features a gleaming golden front handle and bohemian whipstitch-like trim. Its versatile silhouette allows it to be worn in myriad ways: as a shoulder bag or crossbody, held by the top handle or with the hand slipped through the brass handle and carried like a clutch.
“When creating her SS20 collection, Burton was consumed by ‘the idea of people having the time to make things together, the time to meet and talk together, the time to reconnect with the world’
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The interior, which has a luxe suede lining, is cleverly divided into two compartments: a smaller front section for essentials including a phone and cardholder, and a larger back compartment that is big enough to fit a diary or makeup bag. It’s no wonder that this pretty-yet-practical design has already been spotted on models Vittoria Ceretti, Nora Attal and Edie Campbell, as well as actor Laura Dern.
When creating her SS20 collection, Burton was consumed by “the idea of people having the time to make things together, the time to meet and talk together, the time to reconnect with the world.” So, each and every detail in her collection is lovingly considered. This extends to the brand’s latest sunglasses too, aptly named Outstanding Lenses Sunglasses. Made from shiny black acetate and with luxe gray lenses, they feature extravagant and very flattering oversized butterfly frames. Wear them with the brand’s ethereal, floral-printed dresses for extra-special occasions, or its signature sharp suiting for a chic office look.
The brand has long been lauded for its sculptural footwear - who could forget the iconic Armadillo boots which debuted at the SS10 show. This season, Burton was inspired by the house's archives and reinvented the No.13 wedges. Defined by a curved wooden heel, this new version is crafted from an elegant contrast stitched vegetal leather that wraps around the heel and foot, calling to mind a harness - a house hallmark.
New for this season are the elaborate Flower Heels. Inspired by endangered blooms, these delicate creations feature a Magnolia-shaped heel that has been intricately sculpted via 3D-printing. The black and white styles are perfect for evening events, while the calico and cornflower blue versions are destined for tropical destinations.
Born near Manchester, Burton moved to London to study at Central Saint Martins. While studying, she did a placement year at Alexander McQueen, returning full-time upon graduating in 1997. Within two years, she was appointed head of womenswear. Having spent over two decades at the legendary label, she has come to embody the heroic femininity that defines it. The story of the house of Alexander McQueen has many exciting chapters to come.
DISCOVER ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
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