Sarah burton honored the powers of Nature and witchcraft in her fall Alexander McQueen collection

By Caleigh Ostrom

Label founder Alexander McQueen explored emotive themes of history and nature, describing his work once as “eclectic, verging on the criminal.” He translated an interest in psychology into fashion with an articulate, acerbic, and witty approach to beauty a restless darkness rumbling beneath. In designs that thrilled and shocked in tandem, McQueen’s work was also marked by exquisite tailoring, glorious prints, and intricate embroideries…all handcrafted.

Sarah Burton, creative director of the brand since McQueen’s death in 2010, pays homage to handcraftsmanship in her autumn/winter 2017 collection. Inspired by magic and legend, the power of witchcraft was a key theme, including in this stunning gown. Crafted from satin back crepe, it’s embroidered with mystical symbols and hand motifs representing the connection witches had to the earth. Its column silhouette sports a hem that pools at the floor, creating a train at the back.

Alexander McQueen Magic Hand
Embroidered Crepe Column Gown
$9,495, neimanmarcus.com