Alexander McQueen launches men couture

While the fashion world may be buzzing about the latest Versace for H&M collaboration and Jason Wu for Target, British fashion house Alexander McQueen is heading in the opposite direction with the announcement of a bespoke service for men.

While the fashion world may be buzzing about the latest Versace for H&M collaboration and Jason Wu for Target, British fashion house Alexander McQueen is heading in the opposite direction with the announcement of a bespoke service for men.

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WWD reported January 17 that the label, which already offers ready-to-wear for men, is teaming up with prestigious tailor Huntsman to provide the Alexander McQueen by Huntsman service.

Launching in June at the McQueen store on London's Bond Street, pieces will take around 12 weeks to make and prices begin at £4,500 (€5,400).

For the first season, clients will be able to select items including a single-breasted dinner jacket, a black cashmere double-breasted overcoat and a black-and-white Prince of Wales check suit.

In light of global consultants Bain & Co recently revealing that the luxury menswear market has been growing at a rate almost double that of womenswear, McQueen creative director Sarah Burton highlighted the demand for high fashion among men.

"We already offer couture for women, and wanted to add it for men. And our clients were asking for it. With this service we want to give them beautiful, handcrafted clothes, and emphasize artisanal work," she explained.

Other major fashion houses offering bespoke fashion for men include Gucci, which unveiled its men's made-to-measure service campaign back in October with Hollywood star James Franco as its face.

In November Burberry launched its online trench coat customization service for both sexes, with nine style choices for men and a variety of length and material options for customizing.