McQueen's last hurrah

by Emma Sheppard

The final creations of former Central St Martin’s student Alexander McQueen were unveiled at Paris Fashion Week. 

The autumn/winter 2010 collection was revealed in a series of private viewings held at the 18^th century Hôtel de Clermont-Tonnerre.

Sources said the 16 outfits showcased were 80 per cent completed by the time of McQueen’s death, leaving his team four weeks to finish his iconic work.

Byzantine art, angels and religious iconography inspired the range. The Independent’s Susannah Frankel described it as “heartbreakingly beautiful”.

Sculptural brocade dresses and dramatic capes dominated the stunning collection, with masses of satin and detailing gilded with ornate gold.

At the end of the show, applause began from behind the curtain as the privileged audience sat in silence, in awe of what they had just seen. Only about 70 people were expected to see the clothes. 

The label’s Chief Executive Jonathan Akeroyd explained that although McQueen had had a vision for the catwalk show, they felt it more appropriate to hold smaller viewings, in light of what had happened.

Fashion editor Frankel agreed. “This was a perfectly judged tribute to one of the greatest talents the fashion industry has known.” 

McQueen was found hanged last month on the eve of his mother’s funeral.

Rumours have been rife in the industry about who will be the label’s new successor after owners PPR announced that it would continue to trade.