The McQueen scarf

There are a few scarves to come to mind when I think of timeless. There’s the Hermès scarves, Chanel scarves, and of course, Alexander McQueen’s famous skull scarf.

I have wanted McQueen’s iconic skull scarf for a few years now, but it’s just so pricey.  When I was in Vancouver a few weeks back I was beelining my way to the Shu Uemera counter to pick something up at Holt Renfrew and decided to go through the scarf section just to see if they had a black with white skulls McQueen scarf.  I was there the day before but all they had were the white ones (I’m a bit of a slob so I always tend to go for darker colours).  As soon as I got to the section, there it was hanging.  I looked at the price tag but it was cut off, so I asked the sales associate and she said it retailed for C$325, a little out of my price range for a scarf, designer or not.  Then she said she was mistaken and that it was C$295 because it was the men’s version and the tag was cut because some guy was going to buy it for his girlfriend but they changed their minds.  I didn’t even know there was a men’s version of the scarf, I would imagine they were all unisex.  The SA said that it was the same scarf just a tad smaller.  Since I’m short anyways, that didn’t bother me.

I didn’t plan on buying it but I couldn’t just leave it there. I actually believe it was fate.  Very rarely have I come across the black version of the scarf, and the fact that it was the last one, in the colour I wanted, and less money than the women’s version, well I had to have it.  It’s a lot of money to spend on a piece of fabric, but I don’t regret picking it up.

The scarf is a giant square, so there are a variety of different ways to wear it.  The men’s version measures at 40 inches by 40 inches, whereas the women’s version is 48 inches by 42 inches, so a small difference.  The one I got is 100 per cent silk, however, it does come in different fabrics as well (such as a cashmere and model blend with a fringe lining).  It also comes in a variety of different colours, as well as special patterns (for example, there is a leopard print one as well).  The model I got is the basic scarf (so the least inexpensive of the bunch), as well as the most classic (in my opinion).

Because it is in a square shape, there are a variety of different ways to wear it.  I mostly just fold it into a triangle and then drape it around my neck or fold the ends around so the triangle part is in front.  For more ways to wear it, check out Wendy’s Lookbook’s famous scarf video:

The scarf is a pricey investment, but like I said, it’s been on my wish list for years now.  Skulls are in again this season, but it’s such a classic piece that I think will stand the test of time.  Plus, it’s a nice tribute to the late Alexander McQueen.

If you are thinking of buying one, I would highly recommend looking into the men’s version.  SSENSE has them online for C$260, which is less than I paid for mine at Holts.  The classic black with white skulls women’s version is currently backordered on Neiman Marcus’ website, but check your local store.  Because the black version is so basic and classic, I have rarely come across them in store, but check online.  Also, be very wary of eBay listings.  There are a ton that have “small flaws”, but trust me, they are fake.

If you want to sport the trend but not shell out the big bucks for it, I have seen skull scarves everywhere.  I know that Garage in Canada has a few cute ones.  I actually have a white one from Love Melrose that I got in the summertime.  When I was in Vancouver I also picked one up for a friend at Brandy Melville.  Those ones though I have found to be long scarves, not square ones like McQueen’s (so at least they aren’t a complete knock-off).  As a side note though, I actually bought a skull blouse from Love Melrose in the summer and the skulls on that blouse are almost exactly like McQueen’s…

Alexander McQueen’s skull scarf is an investment purchase, however, it’s one of those items that are just so iconic to both the fashion world and the brand in general.  His scarf is his signature item in my opinion and the one thing that comes to mind when I think of the brand.  Chanel has the LBD, the 2.55, and the chains; Louis Vuitton has the Speedy bag;  Hermès has the Birkin; and McQueen has the skull scarf.

Do you own an Alexander McQueen skull scarf?  Is it on your wishlist?

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