Alexander McQueen @ Paris Fashionweek 2007

The rumor before the Alexander McQueen show was that this was his last. What that means, I am not entirely sure. His label isn't his own, so is he ready to turn it over to someone else? Doubtful. But the collection he and hat designer Philip Treacy presented tonight was more than just an homage to the ultimate stylist and muse, Isabella Blow. It was a modern take on their greatest hits.
Of course most of McQueen's greatest hits were due to his collaboration with Isabella Blow, so, what to do? Anyone who ever met Issy in passing knew she was furious with McQueen for raking in the money without including her. But like an uncontrolable child, no one really knew if she was in the right or in the wrong. McQueen had retained a dignified silence on the subject until tonight. The Issy models on his runway were either caged -- one presumes as Issy was -- or free birds, one presumes as he thinks Issy is now. Does he regret not taking her with him when he got his big break at Givenchy? I don't know. But one thing is sadly evident. For all of the creative beauty in some of the more fantastical gowns, there was only one woman on the planet who could have worn them convincingly -- and her name was Isabella Blow. Issy, if you ever doubted that McQueen loved you, doubt no more.

Fashion Inc. by Lauren Goldstein Crowe
Photo: Lorenzo Santini