When Fergie hit the pink carpet at London’s Southbank for a special screening of Lena Dunham’s latest series, ‘Too Much’, it wasn’t her gorgeous Lily Phellera feather-trimmed dress that caught my eye but rather the bold and fun accessory that she held in her hand.
The singer carried her essentials for the night in a vintage Alexander McQueen Britannia skull clutch, considered by many to be one of the best designer bags from the Nineties and Noughties. The iconic clutch bag was first released in 1996 and has been a firm favorite of fashion insiders since, with limited edition Union Jack versions such as Fergie’s being some of the most coveted.
But it’s not only McQueen’s skull clutch that is having a fashion renaissance; earlier this year, the brand’s skull printed silk scarves – a fashion must in the early Noughties – made a surprise return to the fashion forefront alongside the cool designs from another of the most revered British clothing brands, Vivienne Westwood. Westwood’s classic orb and sceptre jewelry designs make appearances in Fergie’s latest music video, a remake of her hit song, London Bridge, from 2006.
Nostalgic 90s and 00s accessories are trending
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Wearing a white mini dress with feather-trimmed sleeves and platform glitter heels, it felt like Fergie’s neutral look was designed to showcase that iconic clutch bag.
Over the years, numerous iterations of the McQueen clutch bag have found it’s way to market, but few are as memorable as the Union Jack design. The skull clasp that seals the bag is instantly recognisable as a McQueen motif and has been used in many guises for the brand.
Alexander McQueen
Black Knappa Leather Knuckle Clutch Bag
While Fergie’s Union Jack design is no longer available to buy, Alexander McQueen’s knuckle duster clutch bags are a timeless design with a subversive twist featuring punky skulls. One of the coolest ‘handles’, this is a true statement piece.
Taller Marmo
Del Rio Feather Trimmed Dress
Rather than Fergie’s mini dress, we’ve found this midi design with thick feathered sleeves. If you’re looking for a party dress, that’s not for a wedding (unless you’re the bride), this one is certainly ready to shine.
Sole Bliss
Ruby Taupe Glitter
A favorite with A-listers and Royals, Sole Bliss has managed to combine comfort and style. These sparkly platform heels will accent any evening look, even pairing up with your best jeans for an extra touch of glam.
SHOP THE LONDON LOOK
Thanks to the revival of 90s grunge trends, iconic British fashion brands are enjoying a series of throwback trends. With much-loved pieces of the past coming to the fore.
In a pastiche of the original music video, Fergie revisits the actual London Bridge alongside Too Much’s star, Megan Statler. The pair then cavort through the capital, recreating many of the key moments from the original music video, wearing outfits that reference the punk era of the 80s and the Cool Britannia movement in the 90s.
The singer wears a custom Union Jack corset and skirt by London-based designer Brian De Carvalho as well as accessories from Vivienne Westwood, Alexis Bittar, and Milliner Victoria Grant, a celebrity favorite when it comes to what to wear to Royal Ascot.
If you want to embrace the British punk scene of the 90s, I’ve collated some of the most iconic accessories that are very much back on-trend. Including pieces worn by Fergie in her latest video.
Alexander McQueen
Burgundy Silk Skull Print Scarf
Add a touch of cool to even the most simple outfit of your most comfortable jeans and t-shirt with a McQueen skull print silk scarf or tie it onto your quiet luxury handbag. This skull print scarf style was iconic 20 years ago, but it’s still just as loved today.
Vivienne Westwood
Gold and Pearl Drop Orb Detail Earrings
With a Baroque-inspired design, these statement pearl earrings from Vivienne Westwood are one of the brand’s classic designs, having first debuted on the runway in the 1980s.
Alexander McQueen
Antique Silver Wrap Around Skull Ring
Looking for a subtle take on skulls? An Alexander McQueen ring is the perfect way to try the trend with a piece of jewelry. This antique silver version is a cool alternative to gold.
Many of the recent spring/summer trends 2025 have featured a nod to both the Nineties and the Noughties – from reigniting the skinny vs straight jeans debate but the return of Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood’s iconic accessories have definitely made me want to reach to the back of the wardrobe for these timeless designs.
Despite being over 20 years old, the subversive twists that both designers add to their pieces keeps them feeling fresh and fun. I’ll be wearing my Alexander McQueen scarf this summer tied onto my favourite bag, around my neck, bandana-style or as a belt for an instant date night outfit update.
