Alexander McQueen Makes a Triumphant Return to London Fashion Week

Sarah Burton cited "women's obsessions" as one of the key inspirations for the Alexander McQueen Autumn/Winter collection, and she honored these by bringing to life images from dreams. Exotic butterflies and blooms appeared on chiffon gowns and frilled minidresses, while a giant golden unicorn hugged the side of an otherwise sheer dress. Pocket watches counted down till morning on coats and belted jackets, and sparkling stars crawled up lacy corset tops.

And then there were the gowns, each one more showstopping than the last. From sexy black lace to a head-to-toe galaxy of stars (with a matching cape), each gown was an individual work of art. Closing with a trio of richly embellished quilted coats (which looked almost as if the models had woken from their slumber and dragged their duvet down the runway behind them), Burton reminded us exactly what we'd been missing since McQueen left London for Paris. To say this was a triumphant return would be an understatement.