Alexander McQueen: A Heartfelt Goodbye

Experience the emotional journey of one of modern fashion’s most iconic brands. From the groundbreaking shows of Lee McQueen to the tragic loss of the designer himself, and the enchanting royal wedding gown created by Sarah Burton, Alexander McQueen has always been synonymous with deep emotions. It’s not just about beautiful clothes; it’s about stirring feelings.

As Sarah Burton bid farewell to the brand she dedicated her entire 26-year career to, her last collection for McQueen at Paris fashion week left not a dry eye in the room. She dedicated the show “to the memory of Lee Alexander McQueen, whose wish was always to empower women, and to the passion, talent and loyalty of my team.”

Celebrities, family, and friends filled the historic industrial market in the Marais district. Backstage, you could hear pre-show cheers and excitement from models, makeup artists, and stylists as they celebrated Burton’s farewell. Icons from her archive adorned the front row.

Elle Fanning chose a captivating dress from Burton’s bee-themed spring/summer 2013 collection, with a lace honeycomb skirt and a matching bee-encrusted choker. Cate Blanchett graced the event in a tailored dress featuring heart-shaped scarlet angel wings, a look she first showed off as the president of the jury at the Cannes film festival in 2018.

The show opened with a daring twist. Kaia Gerber, daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, showcased a black minidress that revealed an embroidered arrow stitching along the spine in blood-red, perfectly matching her glossy stilettos.

In the 13 years since Lee McQueen’s passing, Burton, his unassuming deputy, has brought a softer, more organic touch to the brand. While McQueen embraced the dark side of London with his designs, Burton’s Britishness embraces folklore and wildflowers. But for her grand finale, Burton unleashed full-throated operatic drama.

Her tailoring accentuated the figure, with anatomical precision and breast cups seamlessly crafted onto jackets. Glossy black leather captivated against the delicate silk gold fringing, creating a mesmerizing strut. Amidst the drama, moments of pure sweetness emerged. The iconic red rose, forever intrinsically tied to McQueen’s legacy, was hand-painted onto the belly of a flowing white silk dress worn by a visibly pregnant model. The catwalk showcased a wide range of age and body sizes. Naomi Campbell closed the show with a silver bugle-beaded gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and shark-fin peplums.

The crowd rose to their feet, showering Burton with applause as she took her final bow. Dressed casually but radiating pride, Burton, wearing jeans, a white shirt, and a sweater draped over her shoulders, shared a long hug with Anna Wintour and showered kisses on her three young daughters, Cecilia, Elizabeth, and Romilly.

As the industry speculates about Burton’s next move, one question lingers: will she continue as the unofficial designer for the now Princess of Wales? Their close relationship, based on their shared love for the countryside and motherhood, has only grown stronger over the 12 years since the royal wedding, with Burton creating numerous iconic looks for key occasions.

The departure of Burton, who started as an intern and stood by Lee McQueen’s side during his most remarkable moments, marks the end of an era at Alexander McQueen. While a successor is believed to have been chosen, no official announcement has been made. Names like Riccardo Tisci and Fabio Zambernadi have been tossed around, along with respected figures from within the fashion industry. But considering McQueen’s history of selecting unknown insiders who reinvent the brand, it wouldn’t be surprising if internal recruitment becomes the elegant choice.