Alexander McQueen’s signature theatrical flair reached new heights during his Spring/Summer 2005 show, ‘It’s Only a Game’, when he crafted a terrifically immersive game of chess. Yes, you heard that right!

The conventional catwalk was replaced with a brightly lit white square. One by one, the models proceeded onto the stage in a seemingly typical display before making the unexpected move of stopping and forming a vertical line. Soon, all thirty-six models were assembled in a uniform 6x6 structure.

The room was swiftly enveloped in darkness before an ominous robotic voice opened with, “Now we start the game”, as the light returned, this time in a chessboard formation, illuminating the white squares.

You may recognise the inspiration from the 2001 movie ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ which featured a memorable life-size chess game. Inspiration was also taken from Peter Weir’s 1975 film, ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’.

The eerily futuristic voice stated its first commands. Models included Gemma Ward, Mariacarla Boscono, Ajuma Nasanyana, and Natasha Poly.

The incredibly immersive experience was now in full swing, with models/chess pieces getting gradually eliminated, causing tense encounters between the personified pieces. Edwardian and Japanese influences were present throughout, as well as futuristic elements such as metal body-pieces. The glorious mélange of light romantic components and dramatic showstoppers made for a deeply interesting display.

Hostile encounters between pieces stole the show, with shoulder barging, intense staredowns, and models circling each other during eliminations. The once inanimate pieces now embodied emotion and rivalry, drawing a stark parallel to the human experience. This enthralling game continued until its climax: Checkmate.

The intensely moving performance explored themes of power, control, and ruthless gameplay. A true McQueen masterpiece.