By JENNY BARCHFIELD
AP Fashion Writer
PARIS – Before Britain’s royal wedding, when the identity of the designer behind the dress Kate Middleton would wear to the alter was still the best-kept secret in the kingdom, some in the fashion world cast doubt on the rumors pointing toward Alexander McQueen, saying the label’s aesthetic was too dark for a princess-to-be known for her demure style.
Though McQueen creative director Sarah Burton did end up scoring the plum commission, the label’s spring-summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection Tuesday served as a reminder of just how somber the house’s look really is. Nip-waisted skirt suits borrowed elements from bondage gear, while stunning pearl and mother-of-pearl covered gowns felt like beautiful straitjackets.
There was nothing constricting about the Valentino collection, where the airy concoctions of organza and lace were as light as a whisper.