The Fall-Winter 2019 collection by Alexander McQueen, under the creative direction of Sarah Burton, is a stunning homage to the essence of the brand and the designer’s Northern England roots. Burton’s exceptional collection beautifully blends elements of tailoring, fantasy, couture, tough chic, and a touch of magic.
Drawing inspiration from her hometown in the North of England, Burton’s collection showcases a remarkable display of inventive tailoring. The use of fabrics from local mills such as William Halstead, John Foster, Bower Roebuck, Savile Clifford, and Joshua Ellis adds a unique touch to the collection, with complicated pinstripe mixes, punk houndstooth suits, and strict jackets with pleated mini trains making a memorable appearance.
The show opens with innovative tailcoats worn without shirts, paired with pleated sashes and McQueen bovver boots, highlighting the brand’s emphasis on tailoring. As the collection progresses, army great coats in varying shades are introduced, adding a touch of off-kilter design that enhances their beauty.
The setting of the show at Lycée Carnot in Paris, with guests seated on bolts of woolen materials, further emphasizes the British aesthetic of the collection. The accessories in the collection, from hoop earrings to metallic chokers and abstract glass bauble necklaces, add a unique touch of elegance.
The show concludes with a jewel-encrusted Valkyrie dress and duchesse satin volume gowns scrunched up into giant fabric roses, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Burton’s nod to her roots with references to the War of the Roses adds a personal touch to the collection, showcasing the designer’s emotional journey back to her origins.
In essence, Alexander McQueen’s Fall-Winter 2019 collection by Sarah Burton captures the dark glory and enigmatic elegance of Northern England, blending tradition, innovation, and storytelling in a truly remarkable way.
Learn more about Alexander McQueen’s collections here and explore the brand’s history and legacy here.
