Famed fashion label Alexander McQueen made its grand return to London over the weekend, sending a flurry of fashionistas into fits of sheer (pun intended) delight. Sarah Burton was even more brilliant than usual, if that’s possible, as a number of highly-embellished ethereal looks marched down the runway. Whimsical, glamorous and with an indescribable air of McQueen himself, the collection was what Fashion Week was made for.

The dreaminess was palpable. A butterfly motif dominated the show, as did an inclusion of sparkly embellishments that had glamour girls salivating. One pale pink, voluminous blanket coat stood out as a statement piece, as did flowy gowns reminiscent of a stunning night sky. And as is true with any Alexander McQueen show, there was a ton of edge buried deep within whimsical silhouettes and romantic pieces that were both ethereal and sultry at once. Structured coats in luxe textures like leather were offset by light and airy dresses that seemed fitting of a Midsummer Night’s Dream.

It wouldn’t be a fashion show without Vogue’s Anna Winter in attendance, but noticeably absent from the show were McQueen’s muses, like Naomi, Kate and Abigail, to name a few. But even though a few familiar faces were lacking, the familiarity found in the garments that stormed the runway was the true star of the show. While it has been several years since McQueen’s passing, Sarah Burton has done a tremendous job at mimicking his aesthetic, so effectively so that it seemed as if McQueen had a hand in the collection himself.

Photo: Rex