Paris Fashion Week: Alexander McQueen's Final Collection

Alexander Lee McQueen's final collection before his untimely passing was inspired by Old Master Painters. Fitting, as the work of painters is often immortalized and celebrated for years after the artist is gone. We can only hope the exquisite designs of Alexander McQueen will be lauded and cherished in that way following his shocking death on February 11, 2010.

Where the Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 collection was defined by insect prints and those famous claw heels or McQueen-a-dillos, the Fall collection was grounded in rich hues, ornate fabrics and luxurious embellishments. Still theatrical, yes, but decidedly less flamboyant.

The collection was a study in Medieval romance, channeling the regal beauty and grace of the Byzantine empresses of times past.

Evident in the disturbing tweets before his death, McQueen's fascination with angels and demons materialized here in the fabric he chose for the collection. Lee ordered fabric that translated digital photographs of paintings of angels and demons into jacquard, via Style.com. Chilling, yet striking and beautiful at the same time.

Highlights were an elegant, red gown adorned with gold discs (which would look ravishing on First Lady, Michelle Obama) and a spellbinding high-collared structured gold jacket constructed entirely of feathers (shown above). The collection also included Venetian capes, full skirts and belted short dresses in avante garde shapes that embodied McQueen's flair for the dramatic.

Take a look at the 16-piece collection below, which was 80% finished at the time of Lee McQueen's death.

The collection was presented on Monday to a modest group of grieving editors and assistants, some visibly choked up with tears. Even in viewing the collection, you can't help but feel sad yet appreciative of McQueen's undeniable genius.

What do you think of Lee McQueen's last collection? 

Kisses,

Coutura