Il y a quelques semaines le monde de la mode apprenait avec stupeur le décès du créateur Alexander McQueen, un suicide tragique qui laissait la Maison éponyme dans une situation des plus difficile car, s'il est toujours difficile de remplacer un génie créatif, il est encore plus dure pour une griffe de survivre à sa mort. Pourtant, l'aventure semble continuer car la Maison vient d'annoncer le lancement prochain d'une ligne de sous-vêtements homme, en vente aux Galeries Lafayette au mois de juin. Le communiqué presse (en anglais ci-dessous).

Alexander McQueen launches Mens underwear collection for AW10 Alexander McQueen announces the launch of its first mens underwear collection for Autumn / Winter 2010. The collection comprises of four ranges - Basic, Fashion, Sleepwear and Loungewear.

The Basic range offers boxers, briefs and vests which will be available in white, black, grey and navy. This includes an all over skull print or plain colour, and incorporates a variation of narrow or wide detailed waistband and feature embroidery.

The Fashion series draws inspiration from iconic McQueen prints and details. Updated seasonally to include fresh designs, the range will feature key signatures from past and present collections. The launch collection offers the feather print, x-ray, degradé, and the most recent bone prints.

The Sleepwear comprises of luxury pyjamas and boxers and is inspired by the traditional gentlemen of Savile Row. The range is available in a cotton plain colour, silk and cotton blue feather print and for a more luxurious feel, a silk skull jacquard, a design already seen in silk accessories such as cravats and ties.

The Loungewear draws on military wear, incorporating lightweight jersey fabrics into long johns and classic Henley tops, and fleece for the hooded asymmetrical cardigans and track pants. The brand image and packaging imagery was shot by renowned fashion photographer Alasdair McLellan, and is reminiscent of old black and white abstract photography.

The collection will be available online on www.alexandermcqueen.com and in stores worldwide from June 2010. Prices range from £35 for a basic boxer to £370 for silk jacquard pyjamas set.

Charity Red Boxer: The launch collection will be marked with a limited edition of the basic boxer in red, adorned with skull shaped ribbon embroidery detail and skull waistband. A percentage of all profits from the sale of these boxers will go to various Aids charities around the world, including the Terrence Higgins Trust in the UK and Lila in Italy. The licence is produced and distributed by Albisetti.

“We are very enthusiastic about this launch: the development of our menswear is a priority for us and expanding the diversity of products within that sector is mandatory. The underwear line places the brand in a new product and price category whilst maintaining our aesthetic, creativity and quality. Our collaboration with Albisetti is a long-term project, as we will continue the basics, the fashion range will be updated every season. We will immediately offer a swimwear variation for summer 2011 and further expansion is yet to come.” – Jonathan Akeroyd, CEO Alexander McQueen, March 2010