When legendary designer Alexander McQueen passed away last February, a lot of cynics raised an eyebrow to the infamous brand's successor. Needless to say, there was a lot of pressure for Sarah Burton. Sarah Burton worked as a designer for McQueen for fourteen years before becoming creative director and eventually being the caretaker of the House of McQueen.
Although a lot of tears were cried in the event of McQueen's death, the show must still go on. Paris Fashion Week was the affair for the revealing of the Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 Collection, which was also Sarah Burton's first full collection for the brand. Staying true to her predecessor's vision, Sarah's new designs for the runway was remarkable, proving her critics wrong.
The show was dramatic, just like old times. If there was one change Sarah did, it was to soften the looks a bit as well as the setting and overall feel of the runway show. We all know that McQueen's iconic vision oftentimes meant extravagantly edgy to even sometimes unconventionally dark. The Spring 2011 collection was more subtle and delicate, which even featured fresh make-up and ethereal hair.
images source: style.com
There was a lot of leather as well as organic materials like feather and wheat used in the collection. A few of the pieces that stood out in the sea of theatrical fashion were a mid-thigh hand painted butterfly dress, a sexy leather leaf cut-out dress, a gown made of feathers and a clean white tail coat (which opened the show).
Being a legend's successor is a tough tough job as all eyes will surely be on constant watch over you. Sarah Burton, however, has proven that she has the talent and the guts for the undertaking. With the success of the recent collection she designed, the House of McQueen will last indefinitely and the infamous brand will surely live on.
