Recognising Genuine Alexander McQueen: An Authentication Guide
From the Oversize sneakers to the graphic T-shirts, Alexander McQueen is copied on a massive scale — the white sneaker with its chunky sole is among the most counterfeited models in luxury. Here is how to check a piece from the London house.
At NB08, every piece is checked and authenticated in our boutique before it goes on sale. Here are the key markers.
Why check the authenticity of an Alexander McQueen piece?
The Oversize has sold by the million — and so have the copies. In ready-to-wear, logo T-shirts and jumpers suffer the same fate. The details of execution separate the genuine from the fake.
Logos, screen prints and embroidery
The 'Alexander McQueen' lettering follows a precise typeface, with fine, evenly spaced capitals; screen prints are dense with crisp outlines, and embroidery is tight. The signature graphics (skulls, Gothic motifs) are detailed — copies always simplify them.
Labels and codes
A crisp woven neck label, and composition labels with full product codes and country of manufacture (mostly Italy). On the sneakers, the tongue and the inside carry the size and reference, evenly stamped. Approximate typography: a deal-breaker.
Materials and construction
Heavy cottons and knits, supple fine-grain leathers on the sneakers, well-finished Oversize soles (even edges, no glue) and a crisp two-tone heel. Italian-level finishing leaves no room for approximation.
Price and seller: the warning signs
New Oversize sneakers at €100 do not exist. Ask for macro photos of the labels, markings and stitching.
Checklist: authenticating an Alexander McQueen piece in 7 points
- Exact lettering typeface
- Dense screen prints, tight embroidery
- Woven labels + product codes
- Supple, fine-grain leather (sneakers)
- Neatly finished sole with no visible glue
- Heavy, high-quality materials
- Realistic price and reliable seller
Buy authenticated Alexander McQueen at NB08
All our Alexander McQueen pieces are checked and authenticated in our boutique before they go on sale.
- The full Alexander McQueen collection
- Our authenticated luxury sneakers
- Our luxury sweatshirts and jumpers
- Our authentication process
- All our authentication guides
Discover our authenticated Alexander McQueen pieces at NB08 →
