The collection that late British designer Alexander McQueen had been working on was quite simply, an unfinished symphony, a reiteration of such a unique artist and influential individual. A selection of 16 pieces was shown in Paris  the same day the catwalk show would have taken place, instead the pieces was in a series of private presentations.

 
The presentation was backed by the sepulchral 17th-century choral music McQueen had listened to while creating the range, sending a shiver down your spine it is a truly breath taking collection. The designs were vivid and dramatic , the underlying religious theme echoed again and again in sumptuous, gold, religious embroideries; silk woven with patterns of angels and angels’ wings; in the hand-painted gold feathers visible under the draped skirt of a one-shouldered, short gown;
 

The dark, irreverent side of McQueen’s vision and his love of panoply were apparent in a black, floor-length cloak, encrusted with gilded tigers and heraldic embroidery; and in a long, cardinal-like cape with crimson column dress beneath, shining with thousands of rustling gold sequins as the model walked across the parquet floor.

The lighter, romantic side of the designer’s nature shone through, too, in a smoke-grey and silver silk jacquard “angel” gown with gold-feathered “wings” on the shoulder, a long, split skirt revealing a cloud of silk chiffon; and in a regal, full-sleeved gown in cream duchesse satin and silk chiffon, worked with gold thread. The model looked like a medieval queen.
As the final model appeared in a high-collared, long jacket handcrafted from gold feathers and worn over a white tulle skirt scattered with gold embroidery, an aide whispered:
“There is no more.”

She was right. The showing was an impeccable demonstration of the intense skill and artistry of McQueen, but more so, the show was a tragic reminder of what the fashion industry has lost. It would have been a spectacular catwalk show, the designs are heartbreakingly beautiful, an outstanding artistic vision, which will live on to influence aspiring designers for many years to come.
 A true mark to leave.

However, I can’t help pondering whether showing the designs on the Paris  catwalk would of been more of a fitting tribute to a designer that influences so many people from this industry, I feel sharing that vision one last time , in the location where Mcqueen has shown many times before, surrounded by people from all walks of fashion life that are brought together for one moment and for one reason Mcqueen, may have been a more memorable, unique moment.

What does you think?

Words by Roxanne Langley. Images via Because I'm Addicted.

If you liked this article, you may also like The Fashion Invasion...

Recent comments...

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment.

All comments submitted on this page do not express the views of MFN, we will endeavor to remove any offensive, rude, defamatory comments.