Damien Hirst
Alexander McQueen Spring 2003
If you can believe it, it’s been a decade since the debut of the Alexander McQueen skull scarf. It’s still going strong, and if you think about it, a decade in human years is more like eons in the world of fashion. But the skull scarf has withstood the test of time, as they say, because it’s still one of the brand’s most recognizable pieces and continues to sell today. It might be in part to the scarf’s celebrity appeal — Nicole Richie, Mary-Kate Olsen and even Keith Richards have been spotted brandishing the skull motif — but it might also be because that simple scarf is still an enduring reminder of a designer that we lost too soon.
To celebrate a decade of the skulls, Alexander McQueen asked fellow skull enthusiast and modern artist Damien Hirst to collaborate on a small collection inspired by McQueen’s iconic images, which is set to debut November 15.
Damien Hirst x Alexander McQueen
Damien Hirst x Alexander McQueen
Don’t expect Hirst to just rehash the classic skulls, however. He’s blended McQueen’s standby into the vein of his latest works, which are influenced by both nature and kaleidoscopes. Hirst’s Entomology series, which combines butterflies, moths, scarabs and spiders look perfect tied just so around your neck and we’d think they’d look picture-perfect hung on your wall, too. The motif isn’t so out-there if you consider that Alexander McQueen’s collections, which are now designed by Sarah Burton, are always exploring the interplay between man and nature.
Damien Hirst x Alexander McQueen
Damien Hirst x Alexander McQueen
Available in chiffon, pongé, twill and cashmere and priced at £315 (that’ll set you back about $467), they’re a bit steeper than your run-of-the-mill skull scarf, but think of it as purchasing a piece of fine art and the sticker shock won’t be so alarming.
The house of McQueen also enlisted Sølve Sundsbø to direct a film to showcase the scarves in their full glory. Check it out below:
Starting at $515, the Alexander McQueen x Damien Hirst scarves will be available at Alexander McQueen stores worldwide and www.alexandermcqueen.com.
Images courtesy Alexander McQueen
