Alexander McQueen Extends Its Inspiring Fabric Donations Initiative

A new delivery of Alexander McQueen fabrics for creative young people is underway for students who are studying fashion and textiles at universities, colleges and community education projects throughout the United Kingdom.

Sarah Burton introduced the Alexander McQueen scheme in 2019 to underpin creative education by redistributing surplus materials, from womenswear taffetas to menswear tailoring cloths, which have been leftover and stored after the production cycle.

“It’s our responsibility to extend our programme of practical help and encouragement to students and fashion schools. The fabric donations build on the relationships we’ve made with educationalists across the U.K. who are teaching students from school age to graduate level and is broadening out to reach further in 2021. When times are so much more difficult for young creative people, taking action to share our resources and open eyes to opportunities has become a central in-house commitment at Alexander McQueen, which we all take very seriously.” – Sarah Burton, Creative Director.

Organised directly with tutors to supply surplus stock of their choice, the delivery of fabric has been used in many graduate collections in 2020, and in term course work and workshops. A variety of Alexander McQueen projects designed to inspire students of all ages are being led by members of our specialist teams to hand on real-life knowledge of cutting, draping, pattern cutting, tailoring, textile construction, embroidery and collection research.

To date, fabric donations have been delivered to over twenty institutions and fashion education community projects throughout the U.K., with a view to increasing that number with many more future donations scheduled. In the aim to equip school-age children, students and emerging talents with free resources to realise their futures and the awareness of the need to underpin equal opportunities for young people in education, the scheme is planned to be offered to further institutions throughout the year and beyond.

Multimedia drape workshop at the Alexander McQueen Old Bond Street second floor education space for Manchester School of Art Foundation students using donated fabrics. 4th March 2020: