V Exclusive: Backstage at Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2020

Sarah Burton’s love letter to all of us.

During a trip to Wales, Sarah Burton was enamored by the folklore, poetic heritage and strong sense of community. With sharp tailoring and sculptural dresses, infused with Welsh patterns and symbols, Burton pays homage to the fragility and strength of women in the Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2020 collection. “It’s a love letter to all of us. So, I wanted it to be quite stripped back, but actually it’s quite bold and powerful. I think we want to be empowered at this time,” Burton told British Vogue. We can all agree that boldness is what we need right now—this collection gives us that and more. 

The words of Dylan Thomas were narrated over the confident struts of models like Kaia Gerber and Paloma Elesser, who walked to the sounds of a pulsating beat. Red was a symbolic hue throughout the collection—from the models’ hair, patterns, to completely laced gowns. Burton was inspired by the red houses, painted to protect against evil. Protection is a pervasive theme throughout the collection evoked by the symbolic red and leather straps. 

Traditional quilts and fabrics inspired a patchwork coat with motifs of animals and a Welsh leek. The cloth is woven by British weavers John Foster, renowned for fine flannels. The lacework was inspired by the hand-carved wooden spoons known as “love spoons.” The hearts embroidered in the ruby red dress remind us about togetherness and being there for others. It’s a collection about courage, protection and community—take a look these exclusive backstage images for a dose of inspiration. 

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