The Fashion Moment that Ushered In A New Decade
If you do a quick Google search for ’best fashion shows’ and Alexander McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2009 show, “Horn of Plenty” tops every single list – beating out the likes of Chanel’s supermarket show and the infamous Perry Ellis grunge collection.
McQueen’s second-to-last collection, the Horn of Plenty is an iconic commentary on consumerism- especially during the age of global recession taking place at the time that stunted the fashion industry.
Designs included a silhouettes mimicking Christian Dior’s new look and Coco Chanel’s tweed suits were paraded down a circular stage representing the inauspicious presence of the fashion cycle.
Image Source: Vogue
The collection debuted with polarizing reviews. Another initially reported on the show, “It’s a punked-up McQueen It girl parody of a certain ideal, of a woman who never existed in the first place.” Vogue praised the show for its memorable theatrics and bold social commentary writing,“Alexander McQueen may be the last designer standing who is brave or foolhardy enough to present a collection that is an unadulterated piece of hard … showmanship.”
Horn of Plenty is also known for being a time capsule of McQueen’s own designs. Amidst satirizing other designers, McQueen had re-imagined pieces from his other shows including a snake skin print skirt from his Golden Showers show and the soundtrack from the Voss show. Other recycled set relics can be scene in the stage’s centerpiece the resembled a garbage heap.
Commentary the aside, the impeccable construction of McQueen is what made the show a masterpiece. Despite the fact that all of the clothing was meant to appear a little unhinged, McQueen never comprised a stitch. His final ensembles, white and black feathered gowns are now synonymous McQueen’s legacy.
Image Source: Vogue
Hat designer Philip Tracy was also a collaborator for the show, creating head pieces out of plastic bags and Coke cans.
The show was camp before it was even a fashion term, and has gone on to inspire other parody shows in including of Moschino’s McDonald’s collection and Maison Marigela’s Birkin look-a-like.
The hauntingly beautiful aesthetic is inseparable from a young Lady Gaga who championed the designer in the beginning of her career. She would later appear in the Telephone music video with Coke-can rollers in her hair.
Another fashion flash to the past is trending with #OldCeline and you can check out the revival of style here.
