2013 Paris Fashion Week was one that brought Elizabethan history back in style. Alexander McQueen's Fall ready to wear collection showed a combination of 'High Church meets Ballets Russes meets Virgin Queen'.
There were many accessories involved in the catwalk that showed Elizabethan style that included pearls, white gloves and pleated collars. Sarah Burton was the creative director behind this collection. The outfits were inspired by the news that there was going to be a new Pope. It includes communication dresses, robes and fashion that was popular during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Overall, there are 10 looks involved in the collection, all black and white. They show true Elizabethan style involving tight waists, wide sleeves and long, patterned skirts. There was a lot of lace involved in the designs and pearl embroideries to mimic Queen Elizabeth's expensive fashion taste.
The colour theme throughout displays a mix of simple and classic. Extra accessories were added to the already highly detailed designs including feathers, metal studs, gold embroidery and pearls, all of which Queen Elizabeth was known for loving. In one particular outfit, it included a lot of pearls and several ostrich feathers. Majority of the outfits show a ruffled neck piece around the model which is similar to Queen Elizabeth's ruff. In the Elizabethan days, wealth was displayed through their outfits and jewellery so Burton made sure to include jewelled embroideries, expensive lace and gold cloth.
Anna Reynolds who is the Royal Collection's Curator says that the value of a lace collar outweighs the cost of having a painting made as it's ownership would've been the equivalent of owning a Ferrari. In this image of Mary I, it's hard to believe that the pearl shaped necklace around her neck is worth £50.6k.
The following images are the 10 looks featured on the catwalk.
This image above is my favourite outfit from the event as I like how even though it's based on Elizabethans, it's got a modern twist to it. I also like how the other outfits display a white head piece and ruff and this one is black. I also really like how the pearls stand out more on this dress because it is black and you can see how decorative and detailed it is. The long armed slit sleeves match the tail hanging down at the back of the dress.
I really like this collection and I think they do capture the true look of an Elizabethan really well, the dress, designs and accessories all show and represent what an Elizabethan would have worn back in the day. I think it worked well having all the outfits either in black and white even though some of Queen Elizabeth's clothes were in colour but black represents power and white represents purity and as fashion became popular during Queen Elizabeth's reign and these were two things she was known for, I think it was a good decision.
http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2013/ready-to-wear/alexander-mcqueen-runway
http://www.justluxe.com/fine-living/fashion/feature-1891473.php
http://www.vogue.com/fashion-week-review/862223/alexander-mcqueen-fall-2013/
http://www.vogue.com/867710/london-calling-elizabethan-mania/
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