by Sarah Burton exquisitely distills Lee Alexander McQueen’s legacy into everything she touches under her guidance as Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, and the Pre-Spring/Summer 2023 menswear line does not is none other than the quintessence of the House. The stitching is crisp and traditional at first glance, but adjustments have been made to elements such as the lapels, shoulders and waist to pinch, tuck, accent and oversize the blazers for a contemporary look. Similarly, the use of utilitarian deals throughout PSS23 elevates conventional menswear into a darker realm, something we think Mr. McQueen would be proud of.
From blazers pierced with metal eyelets on the chest and shoulders to fitted cigarette pants that echo the hardware store theme, this isn’t your usual black suit. Neither do accessories, as clutches, belts, and other small leather goods are enhanced by the metal handle, buckle, or whatever else of the accessory.
But for days off, McQueen continues such touches by applying the same eyelet effect to essentials like hoodies, joggers, a rather delicious leather biker jacket, ribbed sweaters, or for something really naughty, a black shirt accented with harnesses that run over the shoulders. Likewise, an entire outfit can be built using the Alexander McQueen oversized eyelet-covered sneaker or the Lace Up Plimsoll Deck, also available in black.
However, true to the Maison’s ability to offer something for everyone, PSS23 presents “Spring Blue”, “Lilac” and a “Watercolor Graffiti” hue across technical clothing, daily necessities, tailoring (here without no doubt even more pointed and square) and the most impactful for the last effect, on a range of streetwear-oriented outerwear such as down jackets.
Throughout the collection, it’s all about bringing nature into the concrete jungle and wrapping yourself in an Alexander McQueen uniform that perfectly evokes such a theme. From shirts in a sandy, utilitarian beige tone embroidered with nettles to a camo that’s actually made of the McQueen logo, or maybe a workwear-inspired patchwork denim that’s suitable for exploring the great outdoors but is, in fact, rather fitted, all the clues for a wardrobe refresh are there.
Take a look at the collection above and shop Alexander McQueen’s Pre-Spring/Summer 2023 range online and in stores worldwide now.
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