Cape
2009-2010 {The Horn of Plenty collection, autumn-winter 2009–10}
- Medium
- wool, leather-covered buttons, rayon and silk lining wool, leather (buttons, trim), rayon and silk (lining)
- Measurements
- 114.0 cm (centre back) 76.0 cm (width)
- Place/s of Execution
- Italy
- Inscription
- label, centre back, punched in metal: ALEXANDER / M CQ (monogrem) UEEN
label, centre back, woven in white on black synthetic fabric: MADE IN ITALY - Accession Number
- 2014.4
- Department
- International Fashion and Textiles
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Yvonne Pettengell Bequest, 2014
© Alexander McQueen
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest - Gallery location
- Not on display
- About this work
-
The Horn of Plenty collection’s highly structured shapes were inspired by the legacy of 1950s haute couture. In this Cape, Alexander McQueen appropriates Christian Dior’s trademark houndstooth check and exaggerates the scale of the motif. There is usually an edge in the best of McQueen’s work, and in this example the designer appears to be paying homage while simultaneously parodying traditional modes of elegance. In the runway presentation of this collection the models appeared to caricature post-war codes of feminine glamour, painting their faces white and wearing clown-like red lipstick.