Sarah Burton’s final collection for Alexander McQueen (Instagram) wowed at Paris Fashion Week, paying tribute to the iconic Lee Alexander McQueen and celebrating women’s empowerment.
For fashion enthusiasts and Alexander McQueen devotees, Paris Fashion Week marked a poignant moment as Creative Director Sarah Burton unveiled her final collection for the British House. A grand finale that paid tribute to the legendary Lee Alexander McQueen, the show celebrated women’s empowerment and left the fashion world in awe.
Burton’s journey with Alexander McQueen began in 1996 when she joined the team, working closely with the visionary Lee Alexander McQueen himself until his untimely passing in 2010. Thirteen years ago, she took on the role of Creative Director, carrying forward McQueen’s daring vision to global prominence.
Paris Fashion Week became the stage for Burton’s farewell, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The show drew in a star-studded audience, including Stray Kids’ I.N, Elle Fanning, and Yara Shahidi, who eagerly anticipated the magic about to unfold.
Bird calls and rumbling sounds creating an atmosphere akin to a blast-off, transporting the audience to another world. The show notes carried a poignant message, “The show is dedicated to Lee Alexander McQueen,” they read, “whose wish was always to empower women, and to the passion, talent, and loyalty of my team.”
Titled “ANATOMY II,” the collection paid homage to Burton’s extensive journey with Alexander McQueen, celebrating women in all their diverse forms. Inspirations ranged from Queen Elizabeth I to red roses and the Polish sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz, whose artwork adorned the venue.
The runway opened with Kaia Gerber, clad in a tailored dress adorned with thick-cut stitching and slashed detailing. The collection then took a mystical turn, featuring red-trimmed fringed suiting and blood-red roses blooming on satin slip dresses. Golden dresses embellished with threaded decor were shown with bold leather corsets that played with natural figures, giving rise to cutout suits with pointed breast covers in glossy leather. Illustrative veins pulsed through some designs, while crochet garments honoured McQueen’s historic legacy.
The grand finale featured none other than the iconic Naomi Campbell in a glistening metallic number. Tears welled up in the eyes of models and attendees alike as they paid homage to Burton’s remarkable journey at the House. A resounding standing ovation marked Burton’s final bow.
Sarah Burton’s swan song for this famed label was not just a collection; it was a powerful tribute to the House’s enduring legacy. Her revolutionary design language will undoubtedly shape the brand for years to come.
As we lower the curtain on Burton’s era at Alexander McQueen, we can’t help but look forward to the future of this iconic fashion house. For more stories of regional and international fashion, visit our dedicated pages.
