Why Alexander McQueen is the go-to label for exquisite craftsmanship
With its roots in London’s prestigious Savile Row, quintessentially British brand Alexander McQueen represents the epitome of innovative tailoring imbued with substance and meaning
Only Alexander McQueen knows how to balance raw punkish energy with a decidedly feminine feel. The British label, founded in 1992 by the late eponymous designer and now helmed by Sarah Burton, is a sartorial storyteller, with each collection tied up with narrative threads that permeate each dramatic silhouette.
Alexander McQueen himself knew the power of drama; he was an apprentice on London’s Savile Row and trained as a pattern cutter at a theatrical costumier in the city. The designer was ever fascinated with gothic tales of the British capital and the label has become known for turning macabre influences into magnificence – the signature skull is still a recurring motif across everything from whisper-thin scarves to silver-toned rings.
Since 2010, Sarah Burton has brought extra lightness to every piece – her runway collections explode with tulle, while references to delicately frayed roses (often scattered across gowns) show the enduring appeal of fading beauty and the emotional resonance of the notion of time passing. For the pre-spring/summer 2021 season, Burton ups the ante, with sharp-shouldered suiting offset with oversized magenta bows, while severe leather skirts are finished with peplum frills for a deliciously flirtatious edge.
“Alexander McQueen knows how to balance raw punkish energy with a decidedly feminine feel
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“Accessories offer ladylike polish with a more unconventional mood and add an element of rebellion to the working wardrobe
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Accessories, too, offer ladylike polish with a more unconventional mood. Butter-soft ballerina flats feature exaggerated pointed toes and are trimmed with studded metal toe caps referencing 1970s subcultures – they’ll add an element of rebellion to the working wardrobe while perfectly elongating the line of the leg. Classic top-handle bags are boxy and demure, yet interlaced with knotted leather detailing that toughens them up.
Ever championing the artisanal and pushing the boundaries of craft, this collection utilizes out-of-stock fabrics that have been given a new lease of life through perfectly refined production techniques – making it even more special as well as sustainable. Such feel-good fashion is sure to be a timeless addition to your wardrobe and appreciated for years to come.