Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, the original creative engine behind the Alexander McQueen label, was beloved for his expert tailoring and theatrical runway shows. After his suicide in 2010, fans left tributes to the man and his talents outside Alexander McQueen boutiques worldwide. Record-breaking crowds visited the posthumous retrospective of the designer’s work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert in London.
The inspirations for vintage Alexander McQueen bags, dresses, jackets and other items came from many quarters — film, music, current events, history, his heritage and fashions of the past. The designer's runway presentations were not just displays of clothing but were personal expressions of the zeitgeist, often touching on our cultural anxieties and concerns. McQueen’s own thoughts and feelings about love, death, gender, genocide, colonialism, global warming and the extinction of species all appear in his pieces.
McQueen certainly shook up fashion; he was a born Rottweiler. His upbringing on a council estate in north London played a part, but his family was close and supportive, not dysfunctional. He was proud of his Scottish heritage: He was a defiant fashion warrior. His historical themes and shows — such as “Highland Rape,” 2002, which was inspired by England’s “rape of Scotland,” as McQueen called it — always invoked powerful reactions from his audience of fashion pros.
“What you see in the work is the person himself. And my heart is in my work,” McQueen told Harper’s Bazaar in 2007.
It is perhaps this heart, and the heart’s exposure, that drew the crowds and made McQueen's creations both popular and emotionally resonant. Because the work was personal and thus layered with feeling, the motifs — decorative embellishments and fabric choices — have meaning. In other words, in McQueen’s oeuvre, plaid is more than simply a pattern.
Find vintage Alexander McQueen fashion and accessories — including the designer's coveted bags and comfortable, stretchy jersey knit dresses and gowns — on 1stDibs.
2010s Italian Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary British Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
2010s French Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
2010s European Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary British Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s Italian Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses
Vintage Handbags, Shoulder Bags, Clutches and Other Bags and Purses for Sale
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
Designers Similar to Alexander McQueen
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022One way to spot a fake Alexander McQueen t-shirt is to examine the tag. A real tag will show either a Q with an MC in the middle or the full brand name with the C inside of the letter Q. Check that the font is correct and that the stitching is straight. If the tag doesn't seem securely attached, the tee is likely fake. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Alexander McQueen apparel.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How you wear Alexander McQueen sneakers is largely a matter of personal preference. Finish off an ensemble centered around denim jeans or shorts with a pair or use them to add casual flair to a dress or skirt. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different looks. Shop a range of Alexander McQueen sneakers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can wear an Alexander McQueen skull scarf a variety of ways. The bold print makes it ideal for pairing with solid-colored tops and dresses, but you can also mix it with prints in a small or micro scale. Fold it into a triangle or a rectangle and play with different ways of draping and tying it. You'll find a selection of Alexander McQueen scarves on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Alexander McQueen’s last collection was the Fall/Winter 2010 collection, which was nearly finished at the time of his death. This collection was presented at Paris Fashion Week after his passing. Find a range of authentic Alexander McQueen products from top boutiques worldwide on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Much of Alexander McQueen jewelry is made in Italy, but the brand manufactures pieces in other countries as well. You may want to check an individual piece to verify where it was made. Shop a collection of Alexander McQueen jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Many things inspired Alexander McQueen's designs. The fabrics and styles of traditional clothing worn in India, Africa, Turkey, China and Japan served as sources of inspiration. Music, film, theater, the natural world and the designer's own Scottish heritage also influenced his work. Explore a large collection of Alexander McQueen on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Alexander McQueen bags are made in Italy, the UK and France. These bags are iconic and renowned for high-quality materials and edgy design. Shop a wide range of authentic Alexander McQueen bags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Alexander McQueen glasses are made by Kering Eyewear. Kering is the current parent corporation of the Alexander McQueen brand. The Alexander McQueen brand has also partnered with Safilo in the past to release a line of eyewear. Shop a range of expertly authenticated Alexander McQueen glasses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Alexander McQueen often incorporated natural materials into his designs. Examples include hair, feathers, coral, shells and wood. Tweed is a signature material for many fashions, and the brand's scarves tend to feature airier fabrics like silk and chiffon. You'll find a collection of Alexander McQueen on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 8, 2024Kering owns the Alexander McQueen brand as well as a number of other luxury brands, including Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. François Pinault founded the French multinational corporation under the name Pinault S.A. in 1962. Kering was initially in the timber supply business (its focus shifted toward specialized retail distribution in the 1990s). Find a collection of vintage Alexander McQueen on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To clean Alexander McQueen suede items, use a soft cloth to wipe off debris and dust. Treat stains with a cleaner labeled as safe for suede. Never use water to clean the material, as it may leave behind spots. Find a selection of Alexander McQueen garments, shoes and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To read Alexander McQueen tags, move from top to bottom. The numbers at the top usually represent the UPC code and in-house tracking numbers of the brand. Below that, you can find the style number and name. When authenticating items, make sure that the information matches across all paper and sewn-on tags. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of expertly vetted Alexander McQueen.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Alexander McQueen is a prêt-à-porter collection. You can purchase their fashions through the store's online store and various online platforms, including 1stDibs. In addition, Alexander McQueen sells their line through their brick-and-mortar boutiques and authorized retailers. The brand also releases seasonal haute couture collections. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Alexander McQueen apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Alexander McQueen left a lasting impact on fashion with his boldly artistic approach to his runway shows and designs. His daring collections and edgy silhouettes elevated the art form of fashion in general and continues to do so today. Shop a range of Alexander McQueen products on 1stDibs.
- Who designs Alexander McQueen?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Sarah Burton designs for Alexander McQueen as of December 2021. She took control as Creative Director of the brand following the death of founder and chief designer Alexander McQueen in 2010. Shop a variety of Alexander McQueen garments and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Alexander McQueen shoes do not usually run small. Most people find that they fit true to size. Consult the official size chart on the brand's website to determine which shoe size is right for you. Find a selection of Alexander McQueen shoes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The best way to clean Alexander McQueen sneakers depends on the material. Generally, you can wipe off surface dirt with a dry microfiber cloth. Tackle stubborn stains with a cleaning product designed for the material, such as a leather or suede cleaner. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Alexander McQueen sneakers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can authenticate Alexander McQueen sneakers in a variety of ways. One option is to examine the stitching that connects the upper to the outsole. On genuine sneakers, the stitching stops at the point where the sole texture shifts from smooth to rough. Stitching often extends past that point on replicas. Alternatively, check the back of the tongue. Genuine Alexander McQueen designs show the style name and size in the same dark gold numbers toward the center. The fonts may vary in color and size or appear closer to the top of the tongue on fakes. You'll find a range of expertly vetted Alexander McQueen sneakers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A simple way to authenticate an Alexander McQueen scarf is to examine the Alexander McQueen logo printed along one edge. From the top of the scarf, the logo appears the same color as the rest of the print. When viewed from underneath, the text appears black. The underside logo has a faded quality like the print on a fake. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Alexander McQueen scarves.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To begin to tie Alexander McQueen sneakers in the brand's trademark style, point the shoe away from you and pass the lace from the bottom left eyelet through the center tab and out through the upper right eyelet. Then, take the end of the lace on the left side and pull it across the shoe through the bottom right eyelet. From there, thread through the second-lowest left-hand eyelet. Cross the lace over to the bottom right-hand eyelet and continue in this fashion until you lace it all the way. Then, tie the ends in a bow.