Voice of London

Alexander McQueen opens a free exhibition, Roses, on the top floor of their Old Bond Street store on the 30 November 2019.

The garden of dresses is structured around two archival centrepieces: A sculptural piece “Red Rose dress” from the recent Autumn/Winter 2019, and Lee McQueen’s finale gown for his Sarabande Spring/Summer 2007 collection.

Co-curated by the brand’s Creative Director, Sarah Burton, the exhibition is dedicated to young talent as a site of inspiration.

Roses veers from the norm, speaking to Vogue Burton said, “I want to show how community is at the heart of everything we do at Alexander McQueen. Right from the beginning, when I started with Lee, from Central Saint Martins is 1996, and there were only a few of us, he gave everyone – the interns as well, hands-on experience in making things.”

The exhibition challenges the usual air of mystery that surrounds luxury fashion, Burton’s committed to in sharing her vision and knowledge with future designers.

A dress in the Spring/Summer 2020 show worn by model Stella Tennant was embroidered with sketches made by Central Saint Martins students during a fashion illustration session held by the luxury brand earlier this year.

Showcased on the top floor of the new Mayfair flagship shore, the inspirations and research behind each collection are displayed in detail.

And her committal to budding talent is not unnoticed, the respected British designer is set to be honoured as Fashion Awards’ Trailblazer, on December 2.

Rosa Yates