Sarah Burton, in her third collection designing on her own at Alexander McQueen, has in Spring 2012 given exactly what should be for looks that speak to “the wonder of nature, Gaia”. As Emannuele Alt did after the show- I cannot thank her enough. This is really the only collection I needed to see this season.

Perhaps I exaggerate, but it is indeed breathtaking and flawless and utterly imaginative and feminine and sensual and strong at once. The amount of work put into one look is staggering. The thought process, the handwork, the beading, the ruffles, the fabrics…it’s couture really. It should be.

This is what I want to see from a sea-inspired collection- gowns that are fashion not costume, dresses that reference strange sea creatures but are still flattering on a woman. Colors that are strong but also murky, hues that convey a celebration of the ocean, and that ever-present shadow, that slight darkness at McQueen.

It’s too much, I almost can’t talk about it. I won’t go into oh she did a peplum jacket, or look at those shagreen belts… Let’s all just sit back and drink it in and be grateful that someone who has such a gift also has a means by which to convey her visual message to us all. -RS (Images via vogue.com)