After a lengthy hiatus caused by the pandemic, Alexander McQueen made a triumphant comeback to the fashion scene with a breathtaking rooftop runway show in London. The fashion house showcased its Spring/Summer 2022 collection under a massive custom-made transparent dome located on the top floor of a parking garage in Wapping.
The inspiration behind the collection stemmed from the captivating London sky, specifically the picturesque cumulus-blotted clouds. This show represented the label’s first in-person presentation since March 2020 in Paris, and it was a visual feast, highlighting the unparalleled creativity and visionary designs of Alexander McQueen’s head designer, Sarah Burton.
Throughout the past year, Alexander McQueen has captivated audiences through a series of eccentric videos that spotlighted their collections. From a muddy photoshoot along the banks of the Thames to a menswear collection filmed beneath the white cliffs of New Haven, the brand has consistently sought to defy boundaries and create exceptional experiences for its viewers.
For this particular collection, Sarah Burton delved into the mesmerizing skies for inspiration. She aspired to capture the unpredictable nature of weather and its potential impact on our everyday lives. The models on the runway emulated storm chasers, fearlessly navigating whatever the day might bring.
The show itself served as a multisensory adventure, featuring a thunderous storm soundtrack playing in the background as guests found their seats. Burton’s signature silhouette for this season consisted of zippered dresses adorned with multiple gathers, boasting prints influenced by the diverse stages of the sky – daybreak cloud, blue sky, and nightfall cloud. She also incorporated her iconic power-shouldered jackets, elegantly paired with peg-leg pants.
One of the standout pieces from the collection was an enormous shirt dress that billowed in front of the awe-inspiring urban backdrop visible from the rooftop. It flawlessly captured the vivacity and architectural marvels of London, including its iconic landmarks and towering skyscrapers.
The front row was brimming with celebrities and distinguished figures from the fashion realm, all eagerly anticipating the latest offerings from Alexander McQueen. Renowned actresses Emilia Clarke from Game of Thrones and Vanessa Kirby from The Crown were among those who expressed their excitement for the collection. The atmosphere backstage was electric, with influential figures such as Daphne Guinness and Irish hatter Philip Treacy engaged in deep conversations.
The grand finale of the show was a dazzling display of sequined shard rain embroidered pencil dresses and black jackets adorned with tulle trim, beautifully finished with crystal raindrop patterns. It effortlessly combined glamour and punk aesthetics, showcasing the exemplary craftsmanship and artistic prowess that Alexander McQueen is renowned for.
As Sarah Burton took her bow, the applause thundered throughout the venue. The sun cleverly stayed behind the clouds throughout the show, preventing the giant dome from overheating and further adding to the mesmerizing atmosphere. François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, the parent company of Alexander McQueen, lauded Burton’s creative vision and highlighted the brand’s independence in choosing when and where to present their collections, as each label within the group possesses artistic freedom.
Pinault also shed light on the business aspect of things, emphasizing that Kering has experienced success due to the recovery in China and North America. However, he noted that Europe’s bounce back has been slower, primarily due to the absence of tourists. Overall, Alexander McQueen’s return to the runway proved to be a resounding success, leaving the fashion world eager to witness the brand’s next move.
Useful links:
– Alexander McQueen Official Website
– Vogue – The Latest Alexander McQueen Collection
