Alexander McQueen | Women’s Autumn/Winter 2006 | Runway Show

- ’The Widows of Culloden’ Alexander McQueen’s 2006 Autumn Winter Collection With this collection McQueen revisits the subject matter of The Highland Rape -- the show with which he made his name -- but applies to similar territory a sophistication and expertise that reflects his experience as both couturier and designer. The inspiration here is highly personal -- the designer’s own heritage -- which goes at least some way towards explaining the exquisite hand-craftsmanship that goes into each piece as well, of course, as bird head-dresses and McQueen tartan. The collection is luxurious and romantic but melancholic and even austere at the same time. The silhouette -- all nipped waists, bustles and exaggerated hip lines -- is designed to exaggerate a woman’s form and each piece is unique, a one-off couture creation with emotional content intended to be handed down from generation to generation like the most precious of heirlooms.