In a gilded salon in Paris this week, Alexander McQueen's final collection was shown.
The four-time winner of British Designer of the Year had started his career as a tailor’s apprentice on Savile Row, worked for Romeo Gigli in Milan, and was made the head of Givenchy in 1996. His own theatrical collections shocked and awed the glamour world with his dramatic runway shows over the years. He lost is mentor and creative muse Isabella Blow three years ago, and had lost his mother a week before his tragic suicide.
This collection was a beautiful and sad presentation of ornate looks that showed his genius. Elaborate embroideries, brocades and draped satins had a Byzantine influence. Eerie motifs of angels and skulls touched many guests, many of whom were in tears.
The simple statement from the show notes said it best, “Each piece is unique, as was he.”
