Courtesy of Alexander McQueen

Watch McQueen’s models wade through the Thames in a new film

Neo-noir master Jonathan Glazer got behind the camera to herald the British label’s London return

Telling the story of coming back home to London – after a lengthy period in Paris – today, Alexander McQueen drops new film First Light.

Showcasing the brand’s SS21 collection, the short is directed by neo-noir British filmmaker Jonathan Glazer – aka the brains behind murky cult classic Under The Skin – and sees models hanging out around the banks of the Thames in black leather trousers and moto jackets, voluminous trench coats, lace corsets, sleek suiting, and tulle skirts.

Standout moments include one model slyly stealing another’s McQueen cardholder while they kiss on the shore, a model ruining her pristine white gown by laying in a puddle of mud, and an eerily intense, socially-distanced picnic – a true 2020 mood.

According to the fashion house’s creative director, Sarah Burton, the film is about, “Shape, silhouette, and volume. The bones of clothing stripped back to its essence – a world charged with emotions and human connection.” 

Collection aside, we’re hoping Burton took inspo from past fashion moments where celebs took infamous dips into the Thames’ murky waters on film – perhaps Kate Moss getting pushed off a balcony into the water in the 2016 Absolutely Fabulous film? Or maybe the Spice Girls falling off a boat into the river in their 1997 film Spice World – resulting in Victoria Beckham shouting, "This dress is dry clean only, Melanie!” after ruining her look. Either way, we’re here for it. 

Check out the film below. 

Read Next
What Went DownInside Miu Miu’s London store reopening feat. Little Simz

From a cocktail reception unveiling the store to a dinner and show headlined by Little Simz, here is everything that went down

Read Now

NewsLondon: Come get your portrait taken by Irish photographer Eimear Lynch

Continuing the photo studio event series, London is up next with a special session with the exciting image maker

Read Now

The Autumn 2025 Issue‘Let’s chop it up, babe’: Vivian Wilson and Alex Consani go head-to-head

An icon for a new generation of queer youth, Vivian Wilson has spoken truth to power on the biggest possible stage. Now, she’s embarking on her fashion-girl era exclusively for Dazed

Read Now

EventDazed Clubbers: this is your chance to attend Paradigm Shift

We are giving away ten pairs of tickets to see the exhibition, which features work from the likes of TELFAR, Nan Goldin and Derek Jarman

Read Now