Alexander McQueen's theme for his Fall 2009 ready to wear show in Paris was Recycling and Reinvention. The center of the stage was filled with props from all of his old shows, including an actual kitchen sink. He opened the show with a barely veiled swipe at his longtime prior employer, Givenchy, featuring over the top, reworked Givenchy styles from the Audrey Hepburn era and wild reimaginings of Dior's New Look. It was a celebration of that era, but also a slap at it, as well, with the retro-hued makeup, the stylized plastic hair and the models' vintage posing styles. In truth, all fashion ideas are recycled: after all, there are only so many ways one can dress the human form.
The theme continued throughout the show, with giant houndstooth coats, a silk cape that resembled bubble wrap and outrageous knits. Legendary milliner Philip Treacy (who makes hats for the British royal family) was instructed to push the boundaries with his creations and he was well up to the task, with fantastic headgear adorning many ensembles. The shoes were just as fantastic, with 12-inch platform heels, and pointed toes shoes that would make excellent weapons in case of a futuristic recycling fight. There were higher than thigh-high black leather boots and shoes with heels attached at an angle which boggled the mind and amazed the eye. The current trend for Restalyne-enhanced lips was parodied: the models sported over-sized, plasticized lips that added a shocking touch to an already brilliant, yet disturbing show. This was not a fashion show: it was social commentary as performance art. Take a look:
