Who could ever forget the stunning Alexander McQueen satin and lace wedding gown worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her big day? Women are still swooning over the Sarah Burton-designed dress and have even tried to replicate the look themselves.
That was the beginning of a beautiful fashion friendship between Middleton and McQueen and it transformed the royal into a 21st Century-style icon. Since then, Middleton has turned heads in some of Burton’s designs from casual nautical-inspired knitwear to cute cocktail dresses.
However, the brand has always captured the attention of women and men from around the world starting with its founding father Lee Alexander McQueen to its new queen of fashion and long-time co-designer Burton. She took over after his sad passing in 2010 and his legacy lives on through her.
Burton already has all the ladies falling head-over-heels in love with the label’s new ‘light versus dark’ autumn/winter collection.
The collection contrasts between delicate and feminine looks to oversized silhouettes-influenced by menswear. The fabrics used in the provocative line includes satin-backed wools, silk jacquards, silk satins, chiffon, organza, lace, tulle, point d’esprit and nappa leather.
The styles have already made an appearance at London Fashion Week. Models adorned sheer, lace-trimmed lingerie dresses with marabou feathers and quilted silk satin eiderdown coats complimented by immaculately cut tuxedo jackets that possess a strong, 1940s shoulder and a deconstructed draped or double lapel.
Others wore narrow trousers that also appear under knee-length dresses and sun-ray pleated skirts. The aforementioned motifs are printed, enlarged and appliquéd embroidered and over-embroidered across everything from overcoats with opulent, inky collars fastened with jewelled trinkets to languid bias-cut slips.
Tiered and ruffled silk and lurex knits are worn with leather corsetry hand-painted with night flowers. At the same time, surface embellishment is ever more elaborate. A celestial moon and star gown and cape are encrusted with tiny silver and gold beads and sequins respectively. More flowers and swarms of silk butterflies decorate necklines and hems.
Tulle pink, vanity pink, boudoir pink, pearl, black, midnight blue, dream blue, true red, silver and gold are the colours of the season.
No outfit is complete without striking shoes. Ankle-strap sandals with high, mirrored heels are crafted in velvet and leather and lined with boudoir pink, true red and ivory shearling or studded with charms. Flat velvet slippers, brothel creepers and brogues are embroidered with flora and fauna. As for the jewels, models shined wearing charm earrings, chokers, necklaces and winged ear cuffs.
Fans can find the collection at Saks Fifth Avenue in Bahrain City Centre.
