It’s not every day you hear a fashion house creating a collection inspired by fungus, but Alexander McQueen have never been a label to stick within the boundaries of convention. Unveiling their Autumn/Winter capsule a week after the highly coveted fashion month run its course, Alexander McQueen looked to inspire unity, community and care with a vibrant collection of breathtaking ballgowns, structured suits and punk-inspired leather accents.

Comprised mainly of the vivid colour palettes that can be identified in nature, Alexander McQueen makes a constant reference to Mycelium — a structure of fungus whose purpose inspired much of the collection. On this creative decision, Creative Director Sarah Burton explains, “Mycelium connects even the rooftop of the tallest skyscraper to the plants, to the grass, to the ground, to animals and to human beings. Mycelium has the most profound, interconnecting power, relaying messages through a magical underground structure, allowing trees to reach out to each other when either they or their young need help or are sick. The idea is humbling – beautiful – and, of course, a metaphor for interconnection and for community between people, between us all.”

Returning to New York for the first time since 1999, Alexander McQueen lights up the runway with threads of nostalgia and community — paying homage to the city that openly welcomed them so long ago. Much of this motivation can be seen throughout the clothing: the splashes of neon colour mimic the bright graffiti dresses seen in the 1999 Dante Collection, and the cool, dark tones and experimental cuts help evoke a feeling of reinvention.

While striking in appearance, the poignant message behind the collection could not have come at a more telling time: where the world is begging for unity and healing. Of which, Sarah Burton explains, “We exist as single, individual entities on one level, but we are far more powerful connected to each other, to our families, to our friends, to our community. Given everything that has happened over the past two years, that seems more important than ever.”

Discover the full collection at alexandermcqueen.com…