Savage Beauty exhibition sparks Alexander McQueen buying frenzy on eBay

The highlight of the London fashion and museum circuit this year has to be the V&A’s Savage Beauty exhibition, showcasing the largest range of the late Alexander McQueen’s work ever displayed.

The much-anticipated retrospective exhibition has been extended to August to allow more fans of the late designer’s collection to view the installation. Since its opening on 14^th March, there has been a marked increase in sales of McQueen products, most notably on online auction site eBay. Accessories have seen an explosion in interest, with jewellery, bags and iconic skull-print scarves at the forefront of consumer demand – eBay reports the scarves alone have had a 213 per cent increase in sales.

Arguably one of the greatest British designers, Alexander McQueen carved out a reputation for unique style, haute couture reflecting a dark but achingly beautiful artistry. It’s no surprise that prior to his untimely death in 2010 he was reported to have been considering a change in direction towards art, away from fashion.

Since his death there has been solid interest in the brand, and it was always expected the exhibition would trigger an upsurge in demand, with shoppers keen to take ownership of a piece of what has become British fashion history and iconography. The volume and prices of goods on sale have reflected that demand, with a 62 per cent increase reported by The Independent between 3^rd and 14^th March in the run-up to Savage Beauty opening its doors.

Emma Pugh