Alexander McQueen AW1996 Sheer Pinstripe Blouse

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Alexander McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 1996 collection was held in a candle-lit church in London built in 1729 by a suspected Satanist. Entitled ‘Dante’, and dedicated to Isabella Blow, the collection was named for the 14th Century Italian poet Dante Alighieri whose Divine Comedy portrays an allegorical vision of the afterlife. The runway took on the shape of a cross, and featured a skeleton as a macabre front row guest placed intentionally next to Suzy Menkes whom McQueen famously disliked. The press were anxious to see what McQueen would present in a place of worship - they were not disappointed.

Beauty and blasphemy were woven throughout the collection which McQueen described as a commentary on “war and peace through the years...I think religion has caused every war in the world, which is why I showed it in a church.” Religious iconography and brutal images of conflict abounded; images of the Vietnam war were printed on jackets, coats and tops, creating poignant contrast to the luxurious fabrics beneath. Intermingled amongst it all, McQueen harnessed the energy of British street culture by pairing his creations with frayed and bleached denims.

Three days after the show, WWD hailed McQueen as “the saviour of London Fashion Week”, and it was subsequently presented twice - the second time in a disused synagogue in New York which was so packed that even Anna Wintour couldn’t get in. McQueen would take the helm of Givenchy later that year.

This blouse's pinstripe pattern featured heavily throughout the show. Similar blues and lilacs were colours of traditional Victorian ‘half mourning’, signifying McQueen’s ability to find beauty in death; a notion also observable in the blouse’s delicate semi-sheer silk structure. A powerful exaggerated high collar - another reference to traditional mourning wear - is balanced with delicate feminine tailoring. Extended vertical darts panel down the front and back creating an hourglass figure, while a long curved hem exposes the upper leg on either side.

A fine and rare example of Alexander McQueen’s work as he quickly climbed to the upper echelons of the fashion establishment.

Made in Italy.

100% Silk

Condition: Minor fading

SIZE & FIT:

Size: IT40

Fit: Tailored and slim around the waist - fits women’s S best.

Measurements:

• Shoulder Width: 39.5cm

• Chest Width: 45cm

• Hem: 45cm

• Back Length: 68.5cm

• Sleeve Length: 62.5cm

All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat.