Photos courtesy of Alexander McQueen
Sarah Burton's connection with the Alexander McQueen brand runs deep, surpassing the typical creative director-brand relationship. Her intimate history with Lee McQueen himself, working side by side before his untimely departure, has forged a profound connection with the House's heritage. Burton's journey as creative director, beginning in 2010, has been a testament to her unwavering dedication to honoring McQueen's legacy. Yet, what sets her apart is her ability to breathe new life into McQueen's world, propelling the House confidently into the future.
The Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2024 show marks a poignant moment as Burton presents her final collection before stepping down from her illustrious role. The grand spectacle opened with the magnetic presence of Kaia Gerber, gracefully donning a black, cinched mini dress with a keyhole neckline, slashed sleeves, and striking red heels. What followed was a collection that captivated not through theatricality but through wearability, a testament to the modern Alexander McQueen woman.
Burton's inspiration for this collection is a unique blend of female anatomy, the regal essence of Queen Elizabeth I, the symbolism of the blood-red rose, and the creative spirit of Magdalena Abakanowicz—an artist who refused to compromise her vision. In her show notes, Burton dedicated the showcase to the memory of Lee Alexander McQueen, whose unwavering desire was to empower women. She also acknowledged the passion, talent, and loyalty of her team, who brought her vision to life.
The color palette adhered to the House's codes: an arresting combination of black and crimson red, enhanced with touches of white, gold, and silver. The collection celebrated diversity with an array of silhouettes and design techniques, from body-hugging catsuits to impeccably tailored trench coats, from ruffled maxi dresses to crochet-appliqued tops and blazers with daring cutouts. Each design choice celebrated the female form in distinctive and empowering ways, keeping McQueen's signature spirit alive. The incorporation of lace, metallics, and fringe paid homage to McQueen's enduring artistic legacy.
The grand finale was a showstopper as Naomi Campbell graced the runway in a silver dress with a peplum corset bodice and a dramatic fringe skirt.
