Alexander McQueen AW17 by Sarah burton

medieval needlework from 16^th 17^th century

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/AlexanderMcQueen/alexander-mcqueen-aw17-medieval-embroidery/

“V&A.” Victoria and Albert Museum. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

COULEURS. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

“Attributed To Richard Peake The Elder, Catherine….” Marie Antoinette’s Playhouse. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

 

old alchemy illustrations, druid symbols and Cornish wildlife rendered in black and silver beads and glass stones.

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/AlexanderMcQueen/alexander-mcqueen-aw17-mystical-cornwall/

“The Heart In Art.” The Public Domain Review. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

“PAST EVENTS.” The Light & Shadow Salon. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

“Wild Unknown Tarot.” SheWalksSoftly. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

Nodding to the ancient traditions of Cornwall, the new season draws inspiration from pagan landscapes, creative communities and the spirituality of the Cloutie Tree. These trees are places of pilgrimage, where travellers tie colourful ribbons to represent their wishes and dreams

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/AlexanderMcQueen/alexander-mcqueen-the-box-bag/

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/AlexanderMcQueen/alexander-mcqueen-aw17-the-cloutie-tree/

Jones, Tom, and View profile. “Rather English – Visit Madron Holy Well.” Tiredoflondontiredoflife.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

“Boscawen Un.” The Megalithic Portal. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

“England | Trotterz.” Trotterz.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

Sarah Burton (designer of Alexander McQueen) has always had an affinity of nature and for tuning into history. This time she took she team to Cornwall. They were inspired by the Cornish wildlife, old alchemy illustration, druid symbols, landscape and Cloutie tree.

In the collection, a lot of medieval needlework techniques and patterns from the 16^th 17^th century were used. The garments are very textile based. And I thing this Phoenix portrait of Queen Elizabeth by Nicholas Hilliard could be one of the reference they may have looked at.

As we can see both of the garment have pattern base in diamond shapes and nature element in it. They were both made with similar stitches and techniques. Both with luxury beads and jewels. However, Sarah designed the garment with different nature elements in the diamond shapes, where the Queen’s had a repeated pattern on she dress. Looking both image in detail, you can also find out another common thing of them, which is the model had her hair tighten in the front and I believe that they have this idea from the 16^th 17^th century fashion. Since I can see from the image, that the queen has heavy jewel on her chest. But a heavy jewel maybe too much for the McQueen’s look so I think that is why they have decided to tight models hair at the front.

From all the things suggested above, I am strongly believing that this image of Queen Elizabeth portrait by Nicolas Hilliard could be one of the reference Sarah Burton and her team have looked at for the Alexander McQueen AW17 ready to wear collection.

Doing this task allows me to have a chance to understand the concept and where the idea comes from for a collection. This make me clearer about the research process of designing, which would help me in the future.

 

“Portraits Of Queen Elizabeth The First, Part 2: Portraits 1573-1587.” Luminarium.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.

Mower, Sarah. “Alexander Mcqueen Fall 2017 Ready-To-Wear Fashion Show.” Vogue. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 Dec. 2017.