...And the Brits took the Big Apple!
IT’S BEEN 23 YEARS since Alexander Mcqueen last hosted a runway show in New York. The late designer had a brief but legendary history with the city; Lee Alexander Mcqueen first showed there in 1996 with his Dante collection, largely viewed as the one that propelled him to global fame. Meanwhile, the Met Museum’s 2011 Savage Beauty exhibition – dedicated to his life and work – was one of its most successful to date.
Last week, current creative director Sarah Burton wanted to pay homage to that ‘creative community’ and it doesn’t get more New York than a warehouse in Brooklyn with an eclectic group of guests, including Gossip Girl’s Evan Mock and supermodel Helena Christensen. The collection, modelled by a line-up of familiar and new faces (Lara Stone made a rare catwalk appearance) was a smorgasbord of Mcqueen signatures. There was spray-painted suiting, inspired by a 1998 Mcqueen show in which model Shalom Harlow had her white dress painted by a pair of robots, together with the deconstructed dresses the brand is known for. Punk accessories – patent leather pumps with silver toe-caps, oversized ear hooks, chokers – gave each look an urban, NYC touch. ‘It is an exciting, creative city and it’s a fast city – I wanted the collection to have a pace to it and a precision to the tailoring,’ said Sarah backstage. ‘It’s about talking to strong women all over the world.’
New fans include Guyanese-born British actor Letitia Wright, who took a break from filming the Black Panther sequel for her first Mcqueen show. Dressed in the brand’s head-to-toe leather, she told Grazia, ‘I’m at the stage in my life where I want to look strong and empowered and Alexander Mcqueen has captured that.’ Letitia has become a household name but says she’s still navigating style. ‘I don’t think you ever nail your personal style. It’s always evolving. I’m only 28 after all. I’ve worn Alexander Mcqueen on several occasions and always feel fly,’ she said. ‘My style icon is Naomi Campbell. It’s her elegance and consistency – she’s just timeless.’
The brand’s chic black tuxedo, with a crystal-embellished back panel and a sparkling bandeau, or its slashed bustier ball gowns, would be a perfect red carpet look for the Oscars. As a former BAFTA Rising Star herself, who is Letitia rooting for? ‘Will Smith. He’s been nominated before and he really deserves this. I think his role in King Richard is just beautiful.’ As for her one to watch? ‘Lashana Lynch,’ she says without hesitation. ‘She’s amazing. She just won a BAFTA Rising Star award. I’m excited to see what she does next.’
See more from the BAFTAS on page 52