Concentrating on the beauty of formal menswear, Alexander McQueen’s FW23 collection is an homage to traditional men’s tailoring. With a focus on cut, proportion, and silhouette, ageless elegance is at the very core of this collection. 

Following Alexander McQueen’s tragic death in 2010, the fashion industry was overcome with grief. Stepping up to continue his legacy, fashion designer and current creative director- Sarah Jane Burton- was committed to maintaining McQueen’s unmatched reputation in the industry. Continuing on with the late designer’s mission of pushing the fashion envelope while staying true to the brand, Burton releases an absolutely illuminating collection that celebrates and empowers the male form.

While many of the garments possess fine detailing that instantly draws the eye in, such as look 12- A knit turtleneck with a spliced orchid intarsia in ivory and black wool-what most stands out are the garments that are meant to blend in. One look features a tailored jumpsuit with a cut-out waist in gray wool sharkskin. Another displays a drop shoulder trench coat in pale beige cotton gabardine. In both, and many more, the McQueen label nails traditional menswear in our modern world. 

The defining cuts in the collection are found in high waists, elongated legs, and broadened shoulders. The reimagining of kilts and coveralls- which both reference McQueen’s early love for both tradition and innovation- seamlessly meld into the collection’s many time-honored elements. 

The most prominent theme in the collection is that of an orchid, a cultivated flower that can be seen on a number of looks. Look 11, in particular, displays a black photographic orchid print in alabaster viscose cady across both a double-breasted tailored jacket and trousers. The detailing of the black orchid against the cream suit creates an illusion that the accent is 3-dimensional. In honoring the classic cuts of menswear while incorporating modern elements, the McQueen label maintains its prestige and respect in the fashion industry.