Suit

This wool and cashmere trouser suit was designed by Alexander McQueen for his spring/summer ready-to-wear collection in 2003. The floral embroidery worked over the seams that shape the jacket is reminiscent of 17th century seam decorations. Mother-of-pearl buttons referencing Pearly costumes have been added to the hip area of the trousers.

The son of a London taxi driver, McQueen grew up in Stepney in the heart of London's East End where the Pearly tradition originated. He was well known for his knowledge of historical dress and his subtle re-workings of historical style details, as well as his spectacular fashion shows. Vogue commented on the 2003 SS collection: 'Alexander McQueen doesn't take inspiration from the past. He plunders it, ripping out references by the root, shredding them and replanting them in a new, alien context. That's why his shows look so raw and modern, despite his regular interpretation of some very old ideas.' (www.vogue.co.uk Catwalk Report, RTW SS2003)