Paris Autumn/Winter '08

Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2008 (scroll down to read more)
Alexander McQueen
The Alexander McQueen show was divided into two distinct parts. The former, mainly in black, had signature tailoring with nipped in waists and padded hips, and in dresses corseted tops over ballerina skirts. The black was rich with texture like doily sized lace and washed tweed. Punky knitted mohair and knee-high boots with metal toecaps toughened things up a little and moved it on from pure Victoriana.

Section two, set to a sound track of Handel was more majestic and fit for a fictitious court (notes referred to the British Empire hence the headdresses, leggings and beaded slippers). Opulent fabrics like satin, and velvet came in jewel tones, lightened up with creamy silk tulle and what looked like ermine, also seen on Elizabeth II’s ceremonial robes. HRH’s portrait also appeared on a frock amongst the Union Jacks Jamie-Reid style, while programme notes referred to influences of her couturiers Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies.