IT may be nowhere near Cumbria but the new Alexander McQueen exhibition in London is about as good as it's going to get for now.

The Savage Beauty showcase opened just over a week ago at the equally awe inspiring Victoria and Albert Museum - and I reckon it is safe to assume ticket sales will already be flying.

The first and largest retrospective of the late designer’s work to be presented in Europe, the exhibition spans his visionary body from 1992 until 2010.

Among the pieces on show is a blood-red butterfly headdress from the Cabinet of Curiosities collection, an animalistic-meets-ethereal cream tulle and lace dress with veil and antlers from the Romantic Naturalism collection plus a dress of dyed ostrich feathers from Voss.

And if you're inspired by what you see and want something more tangible to take away than memories, there is even a special range of pieces inspired by Alexander McQueen which includes everything from scarves, earrings and bracelets to necklaces, tops and bags.

As with most sought after items, a hefty price tag is attached - but only to a few.

You can get your hands on a pair of dangling earrings with a gold eagle claw clutching a black plate ball by Shaun Leane - who collaborated with the fashion house - which comes in at a not-so-modest £2,300.

Or if you're looking for something at the other end of the financial spectrum there is a range of clothes including a grey fitted top featuring a silver V&A skull.

This one is priced at £25 and is available through the museum's online shop.

At the same price is the answer to the top in bag form - this time with grey canvas featuring the skull.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, the skull forms the central identity in the V&A's exclusive collection and the design itself is the work of Alexander McQueen who incorporated motifs from the museum's decorative schemes and exterior architecture.