Loads of soft flowing fur, creative use of zips and corset type drawstrings were just some of the highlight that appeared in the Alexander McQueen fall 2011 ready to wear collection held at Paris Fashion Week. We can say with great confidence that designer Sarah Burton is successful yet once again.
With McQueen’s recognition of bringing fantasy, drama and extravagance to the catwalk scene Sarah Burton has done exactly that. “The Ice Queen and her court” is certainly a perfect theme for this powerful collection that has every viewer captivated in the moment. The sputtering use of neon lighting and mysterious street feel gave the unique garments a hint of danger while the vintage styled garments were highly intriguing.
Sarah Burton undoubtedly reminded the world that she is capable of owning McQueen’s outgoing statements and handwriting. Models were donned in silver metal head wrappings with pale make-up and covered the catwalk in wonderful creations which composed of velvet, organza and silk and all consisted of dramatic and innovative detailing which caught the eye. Numerous zippers and fox fur that trimmed the hems, cuffs and shoulder seams as well as draw strings were used on the skirts and jackets with a constant emphasis around the neck of each garment. A colour palette of grey, white, lilac and black gave the collection a retro feel which surprisingly complemented the pure beauty of the white gowns. A soft signature piece is an elegant gown covered with broken China from the bust right through to the hips which followed through with a contrast of organza lather which almost left me breathless.
Lee Alexander McQueen’s style can never be replaced but Sarah Burton certainly portrays it exceptionally well. I would hope so as she has worked for the talented designer since 1997. McQueen made use of new technologies and innovations that added a different twist to his collections which often surprised and left the viewers shocked. The successful designer, Burton, has retained the sexy tailoring with which McQueen made use but has made the “darkness” in his collections more subtle. Some disagree with the choice Sarah has made as they claim that she is taking the edge out of McQueen’s label that only he could instill. This is to an extent true but if you take a glance at the collections she has designed we can confidently say that she has met the mark of McQueen. The memorable, extravagant pieces are bold and dramatic yet they are practical to wear apposed to Lee’s past designs of extreme exudation.
It will be exciting to see what more the talented designer has to offer in future McQueen collections. I am sure she will keep us on our toes once again carrying through his unique design legacy with her own signature twist.
