An article by Laura Dykes.

That time of the year…

So it’s coming up to that time of the year where either…

The January sales are ending.

You’ve already failed your new year’s resolution.

You’re either loving the idea that Valentines Day is soon or hating it.

Or it’s coming up to the time of year where it’s the first anniversary of Alexander McQueen’s death. On February 11^th, it will have been a year since the news shocked the fashion world that the British designer had committed suicide. He was found hanging in his wardrobe by his favourite brown belt and a note saying “look after my dogs, sorry, I love you, Lee.”

I was asked to write an article about something that inspires me but my problem is, nothing really does. Something I like one day, I will totally hate the next. But Alexander McQueen was one designer I always liked when growing up. He was always the first designer I thought of when people spoke about the catwalk fashion shows. Something about his collections stood out to me above the rest and stuck in the back of my mind. They weren’t the typical dresses or shoes you saw with other designers.

The first Alexander McQueen store I ever went in was at Bicester Village. I can remember walking in and straight away looking at the price tags. I probably won’t ever be able to afford anything by him, but a girl can dream. His collections are definitely worth the money and I would sooner spend my money on something by him, than the popular designers such as Chanel or Louis Vuitton.

A favourite item of mine from Alexander McQueen is this skull brass knuckle clutch bag. He has this handle style with a lot of his clutch bags. I like how it’s original and when he first did this style, he was the first to do it. Unfortunately, it’s around 1000 pounds so I’d never be able to afford it!

If you’re like me and you’re waiting to be rich, you can get a cheap high street copy of this bag to keep you going from Ark Clothing for £49.99.

Sarah Burton, who now has the tough job of filling the shoes for Alexander McQueen, recently showed the Spring/Summer collection for 2011. White was seen on a lot of the catwalk shows and Alexander McQueen’s was no exception. Lace embroidery is also going to a biggie in S/S ’11 and high neck lace details.

This white dress with the lace detail from River Island will get you ready for summer. And if you’re on a budget it’s also a great price at £44.99.

So what does the future hold for Sarah Burton? Will she be able to keep up the great Alexander McQueen name?

Only time will be able to tell.

R.I.P Alexander McQueen

17^th March 1969 – 11^th February 2010