This cocktail "dress" was made in Italy. It is made from a flowy printed silk chiffon, gathered at the neckline and cascading down the center front pleats. It has a strapless, sweetheart neckline where the chiffon is attached, creating the flow around the body. The print features an abstract array of feather-like motifs. A panel of pleated fabric at the center front of the dress scoops up at the hem and connects to the center back neckline, creating two distinct leg openings rather than a traditional open hem. Feathers adorn the front of the neckline. The interior is lined using a beige silk over the boning and a beige silk chiffon slip skirt to be worn against the body at the center back. The interior bodice and skirt both have a zipper as the closure.
Alexander McQueen, look 10, from La Dame Bleue collection, Spring/Summer 2008 Ready-to-Wear, Paris
Lot 229, Kerry Taylor Auctions, December 7th, 2021, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Natasha Poly, Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2008, Fashion show, Paris
A similar Butterfly-Print Dress from the same collection is in the collection of:
RISD Museum, Rhode Island
Materials: Printed silk chiffon, silk net, silk organza, silk chiffon and feathers.
Measurements, taken on mannequin:
Size 42
Interior waist: 26 ½”
Interior bust: 30”
Hips: 36”
CB length neckline to hem: 40”
CF length neckline to hem: 41”
Black label with silver letters stitched onto interior of the dress
This supremely elegant cocktail "dress" is a symphony of avian motifs and details, a testament to McQueen's love for naturalism, which almost take flight when the piece is in motion.
