PARIS, Oct 8, 2004/ FW/ --- Recognizing the youth’s obsession with video games, Alexander McQueen placed today’s leisurely preoccupation front and center on the catwalk with a chess game, with a subtle reference to the sci-fi classic 2001: Space Odyssey when he used the voice of HAL on the soundtrack while the models acted as pawns on a game being orchestrated by unseen players.

It started like a normal runway show, but the audience inferred that it would be different because the models stayed on the square catwalk lining up like soldiers in formation instead of exiting.

The hint that it was going to be a chess game came when a model wearing an all leather white and sorbet green catsuit came out, with the word “rook” imprinted as an appliqué on her back.

One by one, the audience saw the British-born designer’s interpretation of the chess pieces. The knight, usually represented by a horse became an exaggerated A-line dress, molded on the model’s body, with horsehair used as fringes while the king was dressed in thigh high boots, hot pants complete with American football helmet and breast plates.

If the main chess pieces looked like costumes that would look great in a Hollywood production, it was among the “pawns” that Alexander McQueen showed what’s in store for Spring / Summer 2005.

Capri-length pants paired with short snug fitting jackets, fluid skirts and dresses that are just below the knee, peplum-inspired skirts with micro-pleats worn with a nude body hugging long sleeve body suits with colorful appliqués.

In their stripy hose and granny ankle boots stilettos, and riding spats that were presented as leggings, Alexander McQueen proposed a lighthearted summer to his avid fans.

Continuing on the fashion chess game, when all the “chess pieces” were in place, the lights dimmed. Using lights, the catwalk became a chessboard, and the game began with the voice of HAL.

In a chess game that can only happen on a runway show, all the pawns were eliminated all at once, and the serious game began, as the knights, the queens and the rooks “dueled” represented as models looked in each other’s eyes and circled each other. The losing piece exited.

For chess fans, it would be obvious that the game played came from the history books of great chess moves. And like in a chess game, the show ended when HAL announced, “checkmate.”

It was magnificent, it was beautiful, it was genius! Alexander McQueen in his quest for excellence always outdo himself every season, coming out with thought provoking catwalk shows that has defined his career from day one.

When the designer came out to take a bow, a deafening applause and a chorus of “Bravos” greeted him from a very appreciative audience.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen