PARIS, Mar 4, 2006/ FW/ --- Though Alexander McQueen’s show started late and finished late last night, it was worth being out in the cold for the fashion set as the London-based designer treated them with a poignantly romantic and spellbinding collection that approaches perfection.

If McQueen treated everyone with his vision of the underworld for his menswear collection, he changed gear for womenswear, showing the softer romantic side of the Scottish highlands with silhouettes that referenced the post World War II period.

With dramatic bird plumage and practical berets as headdresses, pencil skirts and slim cut jackets were proposed for daywear. The waist was emphasized with belts clasping the waist or by simply following the curves of the female figure with cuts and darts, highlighting once again that Alexander McQueen is a superb tailor with masterful techniques.

There was also a touch of Victorian with high collars, ruffles and jabot. The trench coat was restyled with layered strips of fabrics, loosely done to be wavy, but not look like ruffles.

Trousers were cut slim, then paired with tuxedo coattails, a wide cravat or jabot finishing off the look. Pleated skirts reached just above or below knee, same as the dresses. Cable knit cardigans were restyled and retrofitted with wide lapels and big buttons as closures.

Every piece looked superb, every exit meticulously detailed; and if the daywear were just to die for, the eveningwear just approached perfection.

Gemma Ward came out in a white ruffled gown that enveloped her from neck to toe, butterflies were alit on her hair and shoulders.

And if there was a time machine that can bring us back to the reign of Queen Victoria, the famous monarch will surely approve of the Daria’s gown. Done in beige and light blue with washed prints, the waist and shoulders emphasized with flowing fabric, but structured enough to hold their shape.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen