March 11, 2012

Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012 RTW

This is going to be my last review for Fall/Winter 2012 RTW, but if you want to see a review of any of the shows, just let me know!  When I have time, I might revisit some of the other collections worth mentioning.  Until then, let's end my mini Fashion Week Marathon with a look at Alexander McQueen.

So far, Sarah Burton has been fairly consistent with the general look she puts forth each season, but she experimented with something different this time, and it's going to give her divided results.  Her loving followers will continue to sing praise, while her more skeptical critics will only have one word for this collection: poodles.
If you're like me, you'll see that Burton wasn't in fact going for poodle, but for the beauty of aquatic life and her self-described explosion of optimism.  She started off with pure A-line dresses accessorized with puffs of fur at the shoulders, neck and wrists.  It was a wonderfully tactile way of representing the purity of birth and the beginning of life.  Silver belts that I couldn't stop seeing as coral wound themselves around the models' waists.  The boots were admittedly poodle-like, but I found them strangely appealing.
The breakaway began with laser-cut ponyskin on leather, which then emerged as black pompoms.
And then the pompoms exploded into puffballs of ostrich feathers, quivering like a sea anemone making its way through the sparkling water.  Although the full feather party dress has been done many times before, you can tell Burton does it with a lot more structure and architectural design.  The following dresses were lightly dusted with "dandelions", with sleeves so exaggerated they blended right in with the skirt.
In the only bit of colour during the show, vibrant red dresses not unlike new fascinating deep water organisms proceeded, before, completely unexpected, they further exploded into masses of fluff that were just beyond words.
So many people focus on the wearabilty of collections nowadays that they're forgetting the beauty and innovation of the clothes themselves.  If you're complaining about the practicality of these looks, then I suggest you go and look at the hundreds of other labels out there that do great wearable ready-to-wear, and let Sarah Burton do her thing.

Watch the entire show here.

Image Source: Style.com

12 comments:

  1. BEAUTIFUL DRESSES! THANKS SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BY, WOULD YOU LIKE TO FOLLOW EACH OTHER?

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  2. im such a mcqueen fan! UGH. just amazing!
    I was lucky enough to catch the exhibit at the met when it was here in nyc! just breath taking!
    xx.M
    www.bellesandrebelles.blogspot.com

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  3. I am absolutely in LOVE with look # 11! What a unique collection! :)

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  4. These are amazing! I especially love 11! And the first set of pictures is great as well, nothing poodle-like!
    Thanks for visiting!

    xoxo Sootjeelina <3

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  5. THe first and last paragraph of your review are maybe with which I agree the most. I mean I love this collection and I think it reflects very well Burton's vision of McQueen's aesthetic. Moreover, I believe that wearability is a very important value that matters if you are speaking about some brands (very commercial), but if we're talking about brands which make not just fashion but almost art the most important thing, as you wrote, is beauty!

    http://fashiondoesntexist.blogspot.com/

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  6. definitely feeling the poodle vibe but her designs are more like pieces of art rather than everyday wear.

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  7. GORGEOUS! Even if I don't like wearing fur. XOXO

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  8. gosh this is beautiful, poodles and massive explosion?...the belts are intriguing! I wanted to have a wedding again, I will pick the last photograph for my wedding gown, I swear! I mean even if its not Alexander McQueen's since I probably could not afforded it, I will taKe the design!

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  9. Such an interesting collection!!
    Aimee
    www.new-yorkdoll.blogspot.com
    xxx

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  10. I just can't get behind this. I understand the brilliance and art behind a McQueen and Sarah Burton design. But I gotta call a spade a spade and this is a spade. I do see poodle. But judgements are our own personal preferences. I like sleek and clean lines. For the most part, I like minimalism. This particular collection is just a big giant cotton ball of puff. It pains me to say it but I could care less for it :(
    On the other hand, I think your write up was fantastic!
    -Madeleine

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  11. No one can replace Alexander McQueen, but I do love Sarah Burton's work. This collection was no exception. I just want to go ice-skating in one of those pretty dresses! And the last looks are so out-there, but in a good way. Maybe they aren't exactly the most flattering, but it's artwork.

    **kisses**
    Emily

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