The fashion world still feels deeply the loss of Lee McQueen: a measure of his unique and irreplaceable talent. Last season, we saw Sarah Burton (who worked alongside Lee for 16 years) present a S/S ’12 collection that referenced McQueen’s vision heavily, in a touching tribute. This season, we see that Burton presents a collection that really bears her mark, and while she may never truly make the label her own, she is proving a more than adequate successor.

The nipped-in waists and severe styling give this collection a hard-edged sexiness that continues through heavy fabrics and sharp tailoring. We love the military styling to the tailored numbers, and the dresses are, of course, beautiful.  The knockout pieces for us are the floral placement frocks, especially the one adorned with the almost aggressive tulle frill, echoing a courtesan’s coy fan. 

Mixing corsetry and heavy fabrics with lace and femininity, this collection sees Burton rise above that wedding dress as a true fashion heavyweight. We’re excited to see what else she might have in store for McQueen.