Do good. Look good. Feel good, right? A mantra that certainly has never felt more accurate than when applied to Alexander McQueen who have just announced a brand new donation scheme, which will take surplus luxury fabrics and give them a new lease of life at the hands of young designers at UK fashion colleges.
Pioneered by creative director Sarah Burton, the initiative will see any materials that would otherwise be thrown away, sent to 14 colleges around the country – including University of Westminster and Central Saint Martins – for students to utilise in their graduation shows.
“It’s inspired all of us, and reminded me of being a student, and how tough it is when you can’t afford to buy fabric for your final collection” explains Sarah Burton. “I was so lucky because when I first worked at McQueen, Lee helped me source fabrics for my final collection. It’s even harder today, and at a time when we all feel precious resources must be properly used.”
Designer Steven Stokey-Dayley at the University of Westminster used the fabrics to create a line of striking outwear, including a silk dressing gown made of over 120 panels, a wool raglan trench coat, and a wool tennis coat.
