The Alexander McQueen brand has made its return to London Fashion Week, showcasing its latest collection in a subterranean 17th-century London chapel. This marks the brand's first appearance at London Fashion Week in 25 years, having previously been part of the Paris schedule.
The collection featured items such as steel harnesses, bulky ankle-strapped heels resembling electronic monitoring tags, and a chain mail dress crafted from tiny silver skulls. This return to London comes as the brand is undergoing a significant restructuring plan, which includes store closures and job losses.
Gianfranco d’Attis, who became the new chief executive in June, made the decision to bring McQueen back to London. Creative director Seán McGirr, now in his third year with the brand, drew on British references for the homecoming show, including radical tailoring and rave culture.
In contrast, the Roksanda show at London Fashion Week took place in a rooftop garden, featuring cherry- and lavender-coloured silk and plaited rope belts.