The Hooligan of English Fashion. Lee Alexander McQueen founded his eponymous label in 1992, quickly gaining a worldwide reputation for defying fashion boundaries. His mastery of Savile Row tailoring, dark romanticism, and theatrical runway storytelling defined his legacy and set him apart from his contemporaries.
At the heart of McQueen’s creative process was Sarah Burton, his right-hand designer and the Head of Womenswear. Burton joined the house in 1996 as an intern, became McQueen’s personal assistant after graduating in 1997, and was appointed Head of Womenswear Design by 2000. Her deep understanding of his vision made her the natural successor, ensuring his legacy endured beyond his unfortunate passing.
Autumn/Winter 2013 marked Burton’s first menswear show back home in London, presented in tandem with womenswear at the historic Farmiloe Building in Clerkenwell. The venue’s aged, industrial aesthetic provided a stark contrast to the collection’s razor-sharp tailoring and hauntingly theatrical presentation.
Classic menswear staples were reimagined with a subversive edge—fractured pinstripes, patchworked suiting, and elongated overcoats with strong roped shoulders commanded attention. Deep crimson hues and bold stained-glass prints punctuated the collection, adding a sense of drama and opulence.
This expertly tailored pair of trousers showcases the signature stained-glass print, proving that McQueen’s legacy of precision and provocation remained as potent as ever under the reins of Burton.
