Alexander McQueen

(PARIS) There is no production in Paris quite like McQueen, and last night, the sports stadium in Bercy was decked out with two massive Big Brother-ish cameras and a towering digital video screen. The intention: To livestream the show in conjunction with Nick Knight's ShowStudio. The reality: It didn't quite happen, thanks to Lady Gaga breaking the news that McQueen planned to debut her new single at the show. A crash ensued. At any rate, the concept unfolded with a series of reptile-print dresses in "Lee's" signature cut--you know, exaggerated hips and shoulders, micro-mini length. The models' feet were stuffed into hoof-like exotic-skin booties with a scarily curved upper. ("Editorial," as they say.) These were not quite women, but more like creatures in a world conjured up by the designer. (The show was called "Plato's Atlantis," show notes indicated that McQueen was imagining a post-apocalyptic world where humans sprang up anew from the sea.) McQueen's concepts never fail to fascinate, the fashion was enchanting enough (especially the final series of sheer iridescent wunder-fabric paired with skintight sequined trousers) to dismiss any thoughts of retail. This designer always shines.