EVERY Alexander McQueen collection comes with an accompanying ocean of detail, unique craft and evolving silhouettes. The on-going, and highly commendable narrative of continually seeking new innovative ways to design and create clothes sees itself played out in the womenswear pre-fall 2021 collection.
Noting the inspiration behind this collection, Creative Director Sarah Burton states her focus was on the silhouette and “saturated colour, papercut prints and hybrids”.
Following the continual link between the women’s and menswear collection, his-and-hers looks see themselves in the form of the hybrid-parka, but now in dress form and the pre-fall men’s hybrid jacket with MA1 sleeves now styled with a gathered skirt with curved seams in khaki green polyfaille.
Notably, the trompe l’oeil tailored jacket was designed with the same men’s drop shoulders in contrasting grey cavalry wool twill and paired with peg trousers made from the same cloth – a uniform you would want to wear.
Known for their impeccable tailoring, a double-breasted coat in navy herringbone wool is paired with a ruffled white shirt constructed from cotton poplin with dresses, while dresses showcase trapeze lines and exploded ruffle shoulders for that heightened extravagance with a Victorian twist.
As the saying goes, you save the best until last. Well, in this case, the Alexander McQueen pre-fall 2021 collection ends with a dress that truly lives up to the term showstopper. Scoop neckline and a full gathered skirt in cobalt blue with London seal crystal embroidery in ultramarine polyfaille. A dream dress to say the least.
In terms of accessories, the newly launched Curve bag comes in new colours, adorning ivory, chrome green, red and pink to inject a bold approach to day-to-day bags. The Bundle and the Short Story also follow suit with the Jewelled Satchel, Sculptural Jewelled Satchel and the Four Ring Clutch coming in new colours.
For those that prefer chunkier shoes, the Wander Chelsea boots and Wander loafers are paired with the delicate gowns to provide a subtle contrast between classic femininity and striking hues of masculinity while the knee-high Tread slick boots has been reimagined with a combat sole for that extra kick – literally.
If there is one thing to take from the collection is that whatever men can do women, can do/ wear better. The McQueen woman has always reappeared each season with an unwavering fearlessness, and with that said, whether she chooses a suit or a dress as her armour, I am sure she will win her fight.
by Imogen Clark