Alexander McQueen Returns to New York, Drawing a Star-Studded Crowd

A fashionable cadre of stars joined Creative Director Sarah Burton on Mar 15, welcoming the return of Alexander McQueen to New York City for the fall 2022 runway show. The event, held at Brooklyn Navy Yard, saw the reunion of “Black Panther” stars Letitia Wright and Danai Gurira who both wore black for the occasion.

Wright, dressed in a glossy midi leather skirt styled under a cropped moto jacket with split half sleeves, fully embodied her hero character. Underneath the jacket (which is straight from the fall collection), the Guyanese actress layered a black and white print shirt and finished with tall metal-tipped boots and a silver chain clutch. Aside from a smoky eye, she kept her beauty look minimal, but doubled down on the edgy theme with swirling rings and silver earrings.

Gurira looked equally sharp in a midriff-baring ensemble, comprised of a crystal-embellished bra top and tailored trousers. A black leather bag rested by her side, while a pair of sleek stiletto heels added height to the look. The duo joined other well-known celebrities and industry figures on the front row, including Anna Wintour and fashion designer Kerby Jean-Raymond.

Commenting on the choice of New York for her show, Burton wrote in a press release, “It is part of our community, a place that has always welcomed us, and this season I want to honour that.”

With mycelium – a root-like structure of a fungus – as her focus, the designer presented a collection inspired by community, earth, and natural elements. “Mycelium has the most profound, interconnecting power, relaying messages through a magical underground structure,” she continued, “allowing trees to reach out to each other when either they or their young need help or are sick.” Enter the vivid dresses embroidered in mushrooms and textured sweaters featuring silk fringe made of mycelia.

Burton also drew inspiration from McQueen’s famed Number 13 collection – the late designer’s 13th collection from the spring 1999 season – to imagine a series of suits that appeared spray-painted. Sharp leather featured prominently in shades of bright yellow, red, and black; models also paraded down the runway in sharply tailored pantsuits and multicolored gowns. The multitude of influences didn’t always make for a coherent collection, but McQueen’s long-held commitment to craft was still palpable.

Ahead, view the stars in action, and check out a selection of looks from the collection.