Alexander McQueen A/W 2006 “The Widows of Culloden”

On March 2, 2006, Paris Fashion Week attendees were clambering to get into Alexander McQueen’s Autumn/Winter show. Hype had been building for some time, and people were ready for McQueen to reclaim his throne as Britain’s l’enfant terrible, after two consecutively ‘commercial’ runway shows. Invited guests had received a cryptic invitation, picturing an Edwardian girl and the phrase ‘Bantraich de cuil Lodair’ (Gaelic for ‘The Widows of Culloden’).

Within the wooden runway was a glass pyramid, similar to that of the Louvre. Models began to emerge, wearing gorgeous, romantic creations that were linked to McQueen’s Scottish legacy. This show was a re-working of his infamous “Highland Rape” collection; though the signature tartan and cold-faced beauties were still there, everything was scrupulously detailed, with bustles, lace, and furs, to emphasize the women’s beauty, rather than detract from it. Influences were all within the scope of the Romantic Gothic, going from historic Scotland, to dressed-up punk, to Lady Macbeth. All pieces had the same incredible attention to detail, perfect Savile-Row tailoring, and delicate nipped-in waists. Beautiful bird-like headpieces were both a reference to…