From Runway to Wall: The Meticulous Art of Framing a Monumental Alexander McQueen Scarf

Here at Have it Framed, we’re passionate about preservation and presentation. We believe that framing is an art form in itself. But every so often, a project comes through our doors that truly tests our skills and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Recently, we had the honour of framing a magnificent, and truly monumental, Alexander McQueen scarf.

This wasn't just an accessory; it was a piece of wearable art, intricately designed and bursting with vibrant colour. The goal was to transform it into a permanent statement piece for our client's wall. The main challenge? Its sheer, breathtaking size.

The Challenge: A Matter of Scale

Framing textiles requires a delicate touch, but framing a textile of this magnitude is a logistical and technical puzzle. Standard materials simply don't come in these dimensions. Sourcing the necessary components, from a single, seamless piece of cotton backing to the specialised board for mounting, was the first hurdle. Materials this large are not only difficult to find but also represent a significant investment in quality.

We knew from the start that this project would require time, precision, and an unwavering commitment to getting it perfect.

The Process: A Six-Hour Labour of Love

Adhesives and tapes are out of the question for a valuable, delicate fabric like this. The only way to properly support the scarf and ensure it remains pristine for decades to come is through conservation stitching.

1. The Foundation: First, we prepared a custom-sized backing of 100% cotton. This provides a stable, neutral foundation for the scarf to be mounted onto.

2. The Stitching: This was the most painstaking part of the entire process. Using a very fine, colour-matched thread, we began meticulously hand-sewing the scarf to the cotton backing. Every single stitch is placed strategically to distribute the weight and tension evenly across the fabric. This prevents any sagging or pulling, ensuring the intricate pattern remains perfectly flat and undistorted.

This careful, painstaking work took nearly six hours to complete. It’s a true test of patience and skill, but it’s a non-negotiable step for a piece of this calibre.

3. The Stretch: With the scarf securely attached to its backing, the next step was to stretch it. We used a special 10mm thick foam board, which provides the rigidity needed to keep a piece this large perfectly taut without warping over time. Stretching the combined fabric over the board is a tense, two-person job, requiring precise measurements and adjustments to ensure the final result is perfectly square and drum-tight.

The Final Reveal

With the textile perfectly mounted, we selected a clean, contemporary white frame. The simplicity of the frame was a deliberate choice, creating a crisp border that contains the explosive energy of the design without competing with it. It allows the McQueen artwork to be the undisputed star of the show.

The result is more than just a framed scarf; it’s a preserved masterpiece. The iconic skull, formed from a kaleidoscope of insects, is now a stunning piece of wall art that commands attention and tells a story of both high fashion and meticulous craftsmanship.

Projects like this are what we live for. They challenge us, inspire us, and remind us why we love what we do. If you have a textile treasure, a family heirloom, or a piece of art that you thought was too challenging to frame, bring it to us. We’re ready for the challenge.