Alexander McQueen Spring 2013 Resee

On Wednesday, following the Alexander McQueen Spring 2013 presentation, I attended the re-see in Paris.

The room was a buzz of activity as buyers and press took a second, close-up look at the collection, with a photoshoot of the lookbook also taking place.

Seeing the collection up close gives you a finer appreciation of not only the small details you don’t pick up while watching the show from a distance, but also the immense craftsmanship which goes into every piece.

This season the models had very walkable shoes. Upon close inspection, the patent-leather honeycomb wedged heel was filled with either silver or gold crystals.

The bedazzling bee-accented choker was much heavier than it looked. I could barely hold it with one hand, but I was told that a much lighter version will go into production.

For those of you who loved the beekeeper hats the models wore, you’ll be pleased to know that they will also be going into production. I saw black, cream and a red version in the showroom.

The big ballgowns won’t be going into production, but I’m sure the likes of Lady Gaga, Florence Welch or Nicki Minaj will bring these pieces alive on the red carpet, and we will most definitely seem then in editorials.

During the Spring 2013 show the models carried bags for the first time. The ‘Heroine’ bag was the first ‘It’ bag for McQueen last season, which was quickly snapped up by Zoe Saldana and Kate Beckinsale.

This season the ‘Heroine’ collection has grown. It now includes clutches and totes in various colours, textures and sizes.

Every season there is one McQueen skull-clasp clutch which catches my eye. This season it was the gold honeycomb clutch with gold crystal accents.

Other accessories included tortoiseshell chokers and cuffs with bee accents, belts, slippers, a commercial version of the runway heels, purses, clutches and scarves.

The commercial pieces for this collection included many of McQueen’s signature fitted dresses, alongside pencil skirt suits and pant suits with a bee-embossed pattern. Honeycomb leggings, embellished gowns, motif tees and my favourite which was a black-and-gold strapless jumpsuit will be made available for everyday and evening wear.