Runway Report--Paris Fashion Week--Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012/2013--Photos + Full Runway Video

Fashion Snow Bunny:

Antarctic Couture: Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Sarah Burton, Creative Director and Designer for the House of Alexander McQueen showed her Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collection in Paris yesterday. From looking at the photos and runway video, it all looked like a Winter Fashion Diva Fantasy. Shapes organically exploded as the show went on. As if this little Snow Bunny just got more and more FIERCE as it got colder and colder--in her Swiss Alps Chalet--or Antarctic Hideaway...

Burton's Winter Wonderland of Snow Divas began with ivory and creme coats--in graphic jacquard and brocades accented with Mongolian lamb, goat fur and ostrich furs. Then there was the group made of laser-cut pony skin mounted on leather (above photo).

Accessories included sci-fi visors and...

Fur-clad booties : Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012/2013

The shapes--in skirts, aforementioned coats and dresses were very "pod"-like. These then exploded into tiered gowns. One tiered dress had--according to one of the McQueen Atelier sewers--EIGHTY godets! This is Couture-like workmanship. I highly doubt any of these grand objects will ever make it to retail or any of the McQueen stores but I'm sure we will see toned-down sellable variations instead. And yes, they will have plenty of that "Pippa" cowl-front dress too! But we all know, Miss Lady Gaga will be saving some of these runway looks just for herself! Next Winter...Lady Gaga: the McQueen Snow Bunny!

Debutante Ball in Svalbard: Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Turn Up the Heat: Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Pink Powder Puff Girl: Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Red Pouf: Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Where's my Snow Mobile Chauffeur? Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Click Below for the Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collection Full Runway Video:

Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012--Alexander McQueen

Wow.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Creative Director and Head Designer for Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton, showed her latest offering for Spring/Summer 2012 at Paris Fashion Week and one word: Wow. It was as if the Ghost of "Lee" was right there! At first glance, it seemed "Bondage Inspired" (the face masks, the UBER tight corsetry) but in a way it wasn't. As Sarah Burton stated on the McQueen website "I was thinking about a woman as an object of desire. We go to such lengths to adorn ourselves that we almost become our clothes or are taken over by them. This is a collection about excess - an exploration of ideals of beauty at their most extreme.”

It was exquisite and VERY McQueen. The show began with suiting that was T-T-TIGHT. A very strong emphasis on the shoulder as well as the longer skirt length--below the knee (approx 26"-30" from the natural waist) and tiered ruffles at the hem of those skirts. The hips were exaggerated--especially in the Finale Gowns. You know that rule of "Don't put anything there that might make a woman's hips bigger". Sarah Burton doesn't give a DAMN!

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

The brocade and jacquard-like prints were stunning--and done in suitings with ruffled peplums as well as Baby Doll Dresses so romantic and so NOT Bondage.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Every single garment was almost Museum-worthy. I doubt that most of these will even make it to your local McQueen boutique (I'll be very surprised if any of these do--maybe the suitings and "toned-down" version of the dresses). But who cares; I can't wait for the next Alexander McQueen Exhibition to see these up close and personal! I'm sure, though--that a lot of the gowns and dresses will make the Red Carpet for sure! Speaking of Red Carpet, lots of lace, impeccable applique, embroidery and high-low gowns (Sorry Miss Kelly Osborne! I know how much she HATES those "Mullet Dresses" on her show Fashion Police--I LOVE them!!!)

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Besides the "Homage to the Exaggeration of Women" and Bondage sub-theme, the entire show was also based on the Ocean, underwater, and creatures whom live beneath. These were Underwater GODDESSES. The coral-embroidered Baby Dolls and gowns were stupendous.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

And the Finale Gowns were armored sequined and metallic Bondage-meets-Oceania Empresses. I hope Alexander McQueen was smiling from up there! Well done Sarah Burton. It shook me just a little bit...and I like that!

Click Below for the Full Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012 Runway Video: