Rather than adhering to the usual schedule of shows on the appointed fashion week, Alexander McQueen chose to present their SS17 menswear collection through emotive photography and imagery. Shot by Julia Hetta, the collection is an amalgamation of elements from two major influences: London during the swinging sixties and images of a dusty exotic world. Using traditional, sharp cut tailoring techniques from Savile Rowe, at first in muted shades, and then moving into more opulent ones, McQueen took inspiration from India during the reign of the British Empire and contrasted that with popular styles taken from the swinging sixties.

The iconography and colour palette of that time is fully embraced, from the opulent rich yellows and safari greens and browns to a sun-bleached leopard print. Jewellery fit for a Maharaja is also part of the collection, adorning both ears and faces, alluding to the lavishness of that time and the lavishness that was such an integral part of McQueen’s inspiration. The sixties references add a dandified element of fun to the collection, whilst the use of paisley and a bright red tailored suit draw to mind images of Carnaby Street at it’s peak.