alexander wang x h&m

Let's talk about fashion collaborations. Whether it be Pharrell Williams for Adidas or Missoni for Target, they all give the fashion savvy public of today's day and age the opportunity to get their hands on an exclusive designer piece.. and we go crazy for it!

One of the biggest inhibitors and enforcers of these types of collaborations are retail giant H&M. Having worked with a number of designers in the past including Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli and Versace they have experience in providing these unique opportunities to the public on an incredible scale and as a result have created an amazing and ground-breaking reputation for themselves.

When their 2014 collaboration with Alexander Wang was announced early last year, the world went into a frenzy and waited in anxious anticipation for the collection's release.

That long awaited day finally arrived on November 6th last year when the collection was glamorously unveiled. Held at the Armory Foundation in NYC, the event brought social icons including Dakota Fanning, Solange Knowles and Missy Elliot under the one roof to present an innovative and on trend collection that was unlike anything else and certainly did not disappoint.

From crop t-shirts to sports-bras, weatherproof jackets and even an exclusive run of shoes amongst many more accessories and clothing items, the collection oozes urbanity, modern fashion and all round downtown cool. Its a collection designed for and inspired by the fast-paced lifestyle of NYC, with Wang sticking to a classic monochromatic colour scheme and mixing the aesthetics of both sportswear and performance to offer a range of pieces that are appropriate for the gym and everyday wear.  

The collection is of broad spectrum not only providing pieces for both the menswear and womenswear departments, but a huge range of footwear and accessories including backpacks, boxing gloves and socks to allow buyers to achieve the all round signature Wang look from head to toe.

The collection's style can solely be described as Sport luxe,  a style which we've continuously seen evolve this past year and grow into one of the hottest and most practical trends both on the runway and on the street. Wang has used every element you would expect to see in a typical sport luxe wardrobe throughout the collection to portray a unique and fashion-forward scuba diver cross sport luxe theme. 

Neoprene, mesh, exposed zips, weatherproof materials, stripes and lace detailing take charge throughout the collection with a subtle pop of colour and giraffe print bringing a bit of style and edge to the otherwise neutral collection. He also brought back the puffer jacket and detatchable hoods to allow New Yorkers to stay warm and dry during the unbearable winter months, whilst still looking fashion-forward and cool. The theme perfectly suits this collaboration as it combines the practicality that H&M shoppers look for with the high end, expensive aesthetic that Wang's clients adore.

As expected, the exclusive collection was a huge hit around the world - not only did it make the H&M site crash 10minutes before release by it sold out in Australia within the first 24hrs of it being on the shelf. So incase you didn't grasp the gravity of that, that means that the exclusive, one-off run had sold out in Australia before it had even been released in Europe or the US.

With all that being said its safe to say that designer collaborations,  particuarly ones with lower end retailers,  are a huge success for all involved. Not only do they allow retailers to gain more exposure and broaden their market but it gives designers the chance to share their brand and lifestyle with a different group of people and provides shoppers with the opportunity to get their hands on a special and exclusive designer branded piece.

designer profile: alexander mcqueen

High-fashion labels are not my forte. As gorgeous, creative and inspiring as designer collections are, I've never been one to follow the runway collections of classic, household designer names like Chanel, Dolce Gabbana or Diane von Furstenberg. I'm more of an edgy girl, and I prefer labels and trends that are a little bit off center and add a quirky uniqueness to today's contemporary world. I like a designer who beats to their own drum and has the ability to create and produce a range of collections that scream individuality and tell a unique cultural and emotional story through colour and patterns, shapes, silhouettes and embellishments.

Put all these together and you get the reason why I am in awe of the expert fashion genius that is
Alexander McQueen.

A luxe fashion house, founded by designer Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992 the brand is an impeccable representation of artistry, creativity and individuality. Its a brand that isn't afraid to push the sophisticated boundaries of high end fashion and one that has made its name by being controversial and by taking an unconventional approach to fashion design and it's classical features.

"Alexander's collections combine an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing."

I first discovered Alexander McQueen in my last year of high school when I was sourcing inspiration for my major project. It was his Spring Ready-to-Wear collections of both 2010 and 2011 that caught my eye and sparked the ideas to create my final body of work. I was mainly in awe of his modern age digital prints, bright colours and abstract shapes but I also couldn't believe the detail he put in to not only every piece of his collection, but every piece of his brand. Shoes, accessories, embellishments, head pieces, you name it, he did it all, and every piece was unique, alternate yet wearable. He was an artist and an incredibly talented one at that. I admired and still respect his impeccable skill, that he wasn't afraid to push the boundaries of fashion and that he had found such success in doing so.

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2010

Another aspect I truly admired about his collections was his ability to penetrate deep emotion straight into your bones. Every collection whether it be happiness on a Balinese island to fear in a combat war - I felt emotion. I could in vision a culture. And I could see pure beauty. 

Lee McQueen made his talent very clear through his array of accomplishments and awards. He made a name for himself through his extensive work as Creative Director for both Givenchy and Gucci where he made some great friends and incredible contacts. His time at Givenchy was also when he was awarded his first "British Designer of the Year" award. Between 1996 and 2003 McQueen was awarded this title 4 times, and in 2003 received the CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and named International Designer of the Year.

He was a truly a creative genius and an unbelievably talented man.
 Lee Alexander McQueen passed away on 11th February 2010

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011

Since his passing the brand has only continued to grow and change the face of fashion thanks to the inspiring works of Sarah Burton. Not only has she kept the unique, controversial and unconventional image of Alexander McQueen alive but she has created a true empire and legacy to his incredibly artistic work and individuality around the world.

Burton herself has also made a huge indent in the fashion world through her designs, accomplishments and accolades. Since starting with McQueen in 1997 and being appointed head of Womenswear in 2000, she has designed pieces for a number of celebrities and society figures around the world including Cate Blanchett, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga and most notably Kate Middleton who she designed her wedding gown for. Not only has this celebrity affiliation gained great publicity for the business but it has allowed the brand to appeal to more then just an unconventional and edgy audience and convert classic fashionistas to the artistic world. Sarah has also received a number of prestigious awards including the Designer of the Year Award at the 2011 British Fashion Awards and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for her services in the British fashion industry. 

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2015

"Integral to the McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity."

Throughout it's remarkable life so far, Alexander McQueen has produced an inspiring number of outrageous, creative and unconventional collections that push the boundaries of fashion and have each left a memorable mark on the fashion world. From ready-to-wear to menswear, resort and the brand's lower-priced diffusion line McQ, Alexander McQueen does it all and is now making itself available to a wider and more eclectic audience.With every new collection the brand continues to leave its magical and controversial mark on today's contemporary fashion world and grow into an incredible empire in honour of the brand's remarkable founder.

Alexander McQueen - Fall Ready-to-Wear 2012
All images www.style.com and instagram.com/worldmcqueen