Alexander McQueen | Autumn/Winter 2017 | Runway Show

INSPIRATION The collection is inspired by pagan landscapes, creative communities and ancient traditions of Cornwall particularly the “Cloutie” Trees. These spiritual trees are places of pilgrimage, their branches and twigs adorned with colourful ribbons and personal treasures representing the hopes and dreams of those who tied them. THE COLLECTION A fluid, elongated silhouette dominates. Edges are often kept raw. Medieval armour deconstructed and reinvented in their softest incarnations. Patch and pieced work, cross-stitching and naïve embroideries of flora and fauna – curative herbs, wild strawberries, English meadow flowers, baby deer and hares make their way across pashmina weight cashmere. Gold and silver eyelets with trailing coloured lacing, resembling the ‘Cloutie’ ribbons, are applied in a feminine way on delicate engineered knits and washed leathers. The ‘Wishing Tree’ inspired tweed is shot through with bright coloured twisted yarns and chiffon strips of fuchsia, crimson and lichen green. Tailoring and tuxedos in soft black and grey cashmere felt with a discreet leather edge or draped like blankets around the body are worn with wide-legged trousers. Exploded shearling coat and jacket studded with gold or silver biker hardware elements. Cross-stitching in the collection inspired by medieval needlework samplers from the 16th & 17th century are embroidered on denim, tulle and cashmere voile and finished with silk trailing threads, recalling the Lady of Shallot