The man with the fiercest, most clarion identity in fashion history is, without a doubt, Alexander McQueen. But on this day in 2010, he robbed the world of his voice, and forced his successor, Sarah Burton to pick up the mantle he left behind, which she achieved seamlessly.
Ever faithful to McQueen’s pillars of exquisite tailoring and savage beauty, Burton impressed her own vision on the house along the way. Her outlook is no less beautiful, but where his was occasionally vicious or provocative, hers is tender and woven into the tapestry of Britain’s history by way of its flora and fauna. But don’t mistake her tender outlook for delicacy – Burton is still quite capable of offering protective elements for the women she dresses, from chainmail-like accents on the bodices she designs to impenetrable steel-toes on her boots.
Yet for all of Burton’s incredible skill, the Alexander McQueen boutiques around the world had yet to reflect her unique outlook. Until now. On the heels of the house’s new three-story flagship opening in London, the brand has opened one other spectacular location that displays Burton’s incredible vision. And it’s right here in Dubai at the Dubai Mall’s new Fashion Avenue extension.
With apiary touches like honeycomb patterns gracing the ceiling – a Burton signature – to nomadic yurts enrobed in thick blankets bearing the look of butterfly wings and beetle carapaces that act as the boutique’s dressing room, her touch can be seen everywhere. Decorating the space are phenomenal pieces from the house’s couture output, ready-to-wear collections, and accessory lines.
As entangled as the designer was with her predecessor, twinning DNA is exemplified throughout the boutique by way of its sharply pointed entry ways, which at a distance (and maybe with a squint of the eyes) are revealed to be dual “As” which together form an “M”. It is these kind of details that make you want to stay in this space forever, suspended in time, surrounded by echoes of McQueen’s and Burton’s perfect union. Sneak a peek below.
