Ready for Anything: Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2020
By Jason Kwame
It’s eerily interesting how topical the new Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall shots are. Despite being previewed to magazine editors in February, both the designs and model shots seem perfect for the current social climate: a time of global uncertainty and heightened racial tensions.
Everything about the images tell of a solid, prepared and composed brand identity. An established blend of culture, strength, fashion and consistency. Inclusivity rings through…and this is not the first time. The designs worn by the black models – like the battalion style caramel brown leather dress – seem tailor made. Contoured and matched to their shape and complimenting their skin tone. Androgyny and fluidity are the order of the day, with accessories and hardware also seen in the latest Fall 2020 Menswear collection. All whilst keeping to the brands DNA and legacy left by the late Lee ‘Alexander’ McQueen.
The shots and collection are definitely testament to designer Sarah Burton and the McQueen brand rallying the topic of “diversity and inclusion” in fashion imagery and inspiration.
Burton branches into different perspectives, and normalises differences in style. There’s the contrast of crimson red rib knitwear with accentuated shaping, against the upscale silky red dress, draped with one shirt-cuff sleeve. All alongside slender metallic matte red or blue suits. Then there’s black tuxedo jackets and skirt sets with lace applique, that draw from traditional London Saville Row tailoring approaches. Burton makes variety of style and price points work.
The styles come with warrioresque elaborate buckling, heavy gold accent bangles, rings utility belts and harnesses. And the crafting of the draped evening dresses draped in crystal embellishment are pleasantly ostentatious, and unmatched. A romantic interpretation of a modern day Joan of Arc.
Somehow, you immediately see a reimagined, impeccably styled, socially-conscious fighter. The battlefield being the courts, social gatherings and forums. A modern day Yaa Asantewaa.
Alexander McQueen is always ready for what lies ahead, an uphill battle: Sophisticated and Bold.
*For coverage of last year’s SS Menswear collection – for which I had the pleasure of being invited, see here: A Look Back at Some of Our Recent LFWM Favourites
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