Alexander McQueen’s Latest Campaign Has Us Dreaming Of Autumn

Temperatures may still be too high to be thinking about jackets and boots, but always one step ahead, the fashion industry is seriously gearing up for the coming season. And Alexander McQueen’s eye-catching amalgamation of allure, exquisite tailoring and the wonders of nature is one of those autumn/winter campaigns that has become an instant conversation starter. The campaign, starring models Anok Yai, Sora Choi and Jill Kortleve is set in a Welsh field of sun-touched long grass. And along with the fashion and art, photographer Jamie Hawkesworth adds a touch of romance with a ‘golden hour’ lighting effect.

Styled by Camilla Nickerson, the models effortlessly showcase the innovative designs that prove how Sarah Burton is taking the world-class British fashion house’s signature tailoring aesthetic to a whole new level. "The collection is a love letter to women and to families, colleagues and friends. We went to Wales and were inspired by the warmth of its artistic and poetic heritage, by its folklore and the soul of its craft,” the Creative Director said.  “The woman is courageous, grounded, bold: heroic. There is a sense of protection in the clothes, of safety and comfort, evoked through quilting and blankets. The hearts are a symbol of togetherness, of being there for others.” 

Art directed by M/M Paris, the campaign features a sliced and pieced tailored jacket and straight-legged trousers in black wool silk with contrast panels in Prince of Wales worsted check. Another head-turner is the black wool silk tailored evening jacket with trompe l’oeil layered lapels and sculpted heart sleeve draped in red double duchesse satin. Dress lovers, meanwhile, get to feast their eyes on an exploded poet-sleeved dress in tiers of white gathered cotton silk faille and a voluminous skirt held with a black leather harness. Another must-buy is the black wool silk dress with a deep sweetheart neckline and an engineered dégradé effect, which is achieved by a shading of fine wool and silk threads into sheer organza. 

While Choi and Kortleve pose with different coloured “Tall Story” tote bags, which come with a zipped front pocket and metal clutches suspended from shiny leather harnesses, Yai dazzles in stretch-leather thigh-high boots. Other accessories in the spotlight include some of the latest sunnies and jewellery pieces  cast in high-shine metal. These include multi-rings, punk ear hooks and necklaces or hoops with hearts, those symbols of unity Burton mentioned.  Without further ado, click through to see the stunning looks...