Alexander McQueen: Warrior Princesses
By Mari Davis
Photos by Javier Mateo

PARIS, Mar 10, 2003/ FW/ --- With Alexander McQueen, you always expect the unexpected. And for Fall 2003, he lived up to that reputation with a show set in the highlands of Asia full of warrior princesses during wintertime.

McQueen who is a consumate showman created a stage with snow in the mountains of mainland Asia, but took artistic liberty in terms of the countries that were the sources of inspiration - Mongolia, Nepal, Japan and then some.

With a designer of Alexander McQueen's caliber, these are expected actions. He has the innate ability of seeing patterns when others don't. He can think outside the box and not limited by the set rules of history because fashion is more art than exact science.

What is interesting and in turn, also amazing, is how he converged the different ancient Asian civilizations into one.

Taking the uniforms of Genghis Khan's army and the Ninjas of Japan, McQueen dressed his models in garments inspired by the warriors' armors.

The fabric was cut like the blades of the modern ceiling fan (yes, that modern appliance can trace its shape from thousands of years ago),McQueen sew them together to make the bodice and the skirts, each blade embellished with gold braids, or delicate embroidery.

If the women were not playing warriors, he dressed them in opulent furs or fur trimmed garments.

Elaborate headdresses were also shown, not necessarily part of the warrior's get up, but more of a symbol of the tribe or clan.

McQueen also sent knitwear on the runway. One notable knitwear piece was brown leather finished with red braided knits the size of a shoestring.

Though this is a ready-to-wear collection, the detailing is couture, something that McQueen's loyal fans will surely appreciate.

Even the accessories was given fine detailing. Belts were 'closed' with a chain and padlock. Boots were decorated with Swarovski crystals and/or studs.

And while the audience was admiring all these fine detailings, McQueen had another surprise up his sleeves. A model walked in a pant suit set inspired by the Japanese flag!

As a sidebar to this already fantastic show, there is a windtunnel on top of the runway.

It was literally two shows in one.

The most dramatic of all was the Japanese kimono which was shown on the windtunnel.

The model literally held up the kimono-turned-into-a-train to show off the design.

The show was all McQueen as we know him. And if a Fifth Avenue grouse comments that he is past his prime, all you have to do is point out this collection to disprove that statement.

At the end of the show, a very slim Alexander McQueen appeared on the runway to accept the warm applause from a smiling audience.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen