The twin of this dress was Look 19 on the Fall 2005 Runway. This collection was called 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' and the Alexander McQueen site says of this collection: "For the second time in his career, Alexander McQueen references The Birds for this collection a film that he remembers loving as a child principally because of the precise way in which the women featured choose to dress. Against a film-set backdrop flooded with red light models stride out in swing coats, pencil skirts, neat, cropped trousers and fitted chunky mohair all of which suit a modern-day Hitchcock heroine down to the ground. Given the source of inspiration this may be read as McQueen's interpretation of coordinated dressing almost vintage Hermes style crocodile sling-backs are teamed with matching handbags, for example. Hair is big, bouffant and blow dried and lips are painted true red."

and Vogue's review stated "Tippi Hedren and Marilyn Monroe. Biker molls and sweater girls. You got it: Alexander McQueen went to the sixties, all the way, for fall. With its filched movie and rock 'n' roll themes, the collection read as a knowing vehicle, a McQueen director's cut. Glacially restrained tailoring, early rocker chic, the classic Hollywood ball gown moment: He had 'em all. Plus great hair, great music, and a roar of old-school glamour.But there's no such thing as a McQueen routine without a sinister psychological subtext or two. Was there a hint in the invitation—a pastiche of the film poster for Vertigo, superimposed with the title of another Hitchcock movie, The Man Who Knew Too Much? What McQueen knows shows aplenty. His combined knowledge of Savile Row tailoring and Parisian couture means he can scissor an impeccably narrow gray tweed coat or a nipped-waist pencil skirt suit, and put sizzle into period sobriety."

Earlier McQueen pieces are getting exceedingly rare with all of the attention paid to his work prior to his passing. They get snatched up by collectors and fans who love his cut and line. This runway dress is definitely a showstopper. It is fitted & follows every curve. The fabric is that stunning leopard print and it is a wonderful example of a modern day designer taking couture techniques from the past and giving it his own genius spin. The leopard print is screened onto a silk that has a good weight - the final result is structured and fitted. All the seaming is vertical and curved and cut to create an hour glass shape. At the bust the cups are edged in black lace and chiffon. The straps are meant to sit just slightly off the shoulder so that you get a glimpse of the upper collar bone. The dress is meant to mold and curve around a real body with a strong nod to the fifties fitted wiggle dress so my mannequin is not even coming close to doing this piece full justice. It is in immaculate condition and an important piece of the McQueen legacy. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a brown silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a McQueen 42 but please check measurements as McQueen fits smaller. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2917

Reference Photo: Alexander McQueen F/W 2002 Runway, Look 19. Model: Heather Marks.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.