"Each piece is unique, as was he."

So far, Paris Fashion Week has given us some really wonderful things - Karl Lagerfield's iceberg on the Chanel runway anyone?! - but, none more so than this: A beautiful, private showing of Lee Alexander McQueen's final collection; one that can only be described as a dignified and respectful tribute to the late designer.  The collection comprised sixteen pieces that McQueen had all-but finished before his untimely death earlier this year and has been hailed as one of his best, showcasing his incredible genius and highlighting exactly why he will be so terribly missed in the fashion world.  

McQueen had turned away from the modern influences that were so prominent in his recent collections, and instead was looking much further back, towards the Dark Ages and Medieval era, drawing from the religious iconography of these times.  This is particularly apparent in the detailed embellishment, rich colours and strong patterns used throughout the collection, while references to the Old Masters of this period scream out at every turn - the fabric for one of the dresses is a digital print of Bosch's angels and demons and the ornate gold patterns are intended to emulate those of a Baroque cathedral.  Indeed, the historical allusions are unmistakeable, but in classic Alexander McQueen style, they have been taken, twisted and manipulated, until something new and revolutionary springs from these ancient roots; there are elements of light and beauty in these pieces that one would not normally associate with such an epoch and that, without any doubt, is the genius of McQueen.

May he rest in peace.

Photos from SHOWstudio