Grandeur of Decay

Inspired by European mourning practices, McQueen balanced the feminine form with the grandeur of decay in two looks of delicately ruched black net over white that accentuates the body while mimicking “crape,” textured silks fashionable for grieving. McQueen also referenced flowers, seen here in muted pink shoes with blooms at the heel. Similarly, Dirck de Bray’s still life depicts wildflowers picked at the height of their beauty, with some beginning to wilt, a candid reminder of the passage of time.