Brave, indomitable, and oh so romantic, the house of Alexander McQueen never ceases to impress. With the latest launch of the Pre-Autumn/Winter collection, Creative Director Sarah Burton takes us on a trip to the Welsh Countryside –without forgetting that magical touch of McQueen fantasy along the way.
Intrinsically British, the inspiration for the collection is derived from the British Art Nouveau and Arts and Craft Movement whilst also drawing upon Welsh Heritage and Northern Landscapes. Taking us back to the fundamentals of nature, and in true McQueen style, we are reminded of the fantasy that lays beneath the surface if we look close enough. The House notes their inspiration from the “core of the earth and the treasures beneath its surface”: this treasure being something every fashion-lover strives for.
An indulgent array of earthy tones: hints of silver, copper, and glistening gold, the collection is luxurious to the eye. With a sharp tailored gold suit flaunting down the catwalk in the Autumn/Winter 2020 show, which is available to watch on the McQueen site, it is difficult to control our excitement. The connection to nature was kept alive during the show with fleeting nature sounds and a reading from the work of Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. We can only admire the immense consideration and work that has gone into the collection, right down to every small detail.
Photographed in the atmospheric countryside, the seductive red of asymmetric sculpted knitwear and satin gowns is warming against a crisp landscape. Ranging from daytime looks: longline tweed jackets, flattering peg trousers or midi knits, to extravagant evening dresses, every look stands out. Even the more subtle, darker pieces, allure with statement accessories, be it a chunky gold earing or belt, boots with gold detail, or a necklace resembling a jewel pulled straight from Mother Earth.
Amongst this extravagance, Sarah Burton retains that heartening feel amongst a patchwork of Welsh blankets, which she describes as a “sense of protection in the clothes, of safety and comfort”. A McQueen Woman can feel courageous and powerful, whilst retaining that sense of homeliness and comfort that admittedly we all need from time to time.
We simply love how the Pre – Autumn/Winter 2020 collection is taking us back to our true home: Mother Earth and is a reminder of that natural inspiration that the McQueen House is so lovingly adored for. As with every McQueen collection, the romance is more alive than ever, and it is safe to say we have fallen in love all over again.
Shop the collection here.
Words by Brooke Savino
Graphics by Georgia Walters
