Feather and Fur Reigned Supreme at Alexander McQueen

If there was one takeaway from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" exhibit, aside from a rough estimate of exactly how many people can pack themselves onto the Met’s steps, it’s that McQueen’s right-hand woman-cum-creative director Sarah Burton has her work cut out for her to keep the label on the must-see list. While it is not that hard to stay on the scene after you’ve designed Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, it is apparent from Alexander McQueen’s fall 2012 ready-to-wear show that Burton also shares her late mentor’s sense of dark, dramatic flair.

According to the McQueen show, “ready-to-wear” and “couture” aren’t mutually exclusive. Voluminous ruffled furs and feathers capped with exaggerated bell sleeves can now easily transition from the runway to retail. Models walked the fine line between très chic and Koosh ball in ultra-layered looks, which were adorably tapered at the waist with metallic silver bets shaped into flowers and bows. Each look varied only subtly from the one before it, allowing those in the audience to pay extra attention to detail — a peplum skirt here, an off-the-shoulder sleeve there. With every model remaining anonymous in blonde wigs and futuristic, visor-like shades, all eyes were on the clothes, as if you could look away from those gorgeously textured designs. The Royal Wedding may be over, but Alexander McQueen is definitely keeping the fairy tale alive.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Style.com

Mad Hatter: Hats of The Brits

The British have given us a lot of great things...tea...the mod look...Harry Potter...the Beckhams, and now it's time we jump behind another long standing trend across the puddle...HATS! Unless you've been living under a rock of late you've seen at least something about the royal wedding, and while yes, the dress was beautiful and the double kiss was down right scandalous, what really stole the show was the hats. While we're not suggesting you go full Princess Beatrice style, there is something that a hat adds to any event, and really there is no shortage of them being shown this season. So whether it be floppy beach hat, fedora, or newsboy cap...don't miss this royally buzzed about trend!

Text Corinna Fabre

Photo: Tara Parker Thomkinson