They said/We said: Could yesterday’s theatrical finale at McQ mean big news for the Alexander McQueen offshoot?
We’ve been longing for some spectacular—as in, spectacle-laden—fashion since the days of Alexander McQueen’s Widows of Culloden hologram and Galliano’s snow tunnel. And then came McQ’s Fall 2012 finale starring model and actress Kristen McMenamy (all masterfully caught on video).
The grey-haired fashion doyenne (with her tresses in what we can only describe as a cross between a ‘50s pin-up ‘do and a Twister bagel) closed the show in a white tulle wedding gown. But in true McQueen style, McMenamy does so much more than just strut down the runway; she discovers a rope hidden in the floor and artfully prances around follows it.
As she reaches the end of the catwalk, the brick wall disappears only to be replaced by 60 real-life trees straight out of Harry Potter’s Forbidden Forest (we literally gasped) and a little cottage with pulsing lights and techno music. Now that’s our kind of rave.
We think this is a brilliant PR move for the lesser-known brand, which has been trying to realign itself with its eponymous big sister since the two recoupled in 2010. Both Sarah Burton and François Pinault (chief executive of McQueen’s parent company PPR and, more famously, Salma Hayek’s husband) have acknowledged that they are trying to elevate McQ to new sartorial heights. And wow, have they ever succeeded.
THEY SAID…
New York Times: “Nothing highlighted more the new power and energy of London fashion than the launch on the runway this week of the McQ by Alexander McQueen collection.” [New York Times]
Fashionista: “Last night’s McQ show was, if not fashion history, then certainly London Fashion Week history. The diffusion line’s first runway show brought back some of the drama of Lee McQueen’s early shows with a spectacular finale.” [Fashionista]
The Cut: “When she got to the cottage and ducked inside, it exploded with disco lights and noise! (Hopefully that’s someone’s metaphor for marriage?)” [The Cut]
WE SAID…
Bernadette Morra, editor-in-chief: “Putting McQ on the London runway and closing with a dash of McQueen showmanship definitely signals that Francois Pinault is banking on this brand to grow into a major force. The more McQueen the better, especially if it’s at a better price.”
