Elizabethan Style On The Catwalk (Alexander McQueen)

"Sarah Burton’s latest creations for Alexander McQueen arrive amid the announcement of a new Pope. Fit for the occasion, the label's Fall 2013 ready-to-wear collection ushers in the likes of Communion dresses, cardinal robes, and high fashion favored during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Although only a true aristocrat of fashion might be able to pull off one of Burton's gilded headpieces, these stunning looks sure do make one appreciate the talents of a luxury designer. The ready-to-wear collection revolves around 10 black and white looks evoking Elizabethan fashion with tight waists and flared hip lines amidst wide sleeves and billowing skirts. The fabrics used display exquisite detailing, like the delicate lace that cascades over a roomy petticoat. An elaborately folded neck ruffle completes the look of this doll-like Communion dress."
Reference: http://www.justluxe.com/fine-living/fashion/feature-1891473.php

The make-up for this catwalk look definitely has an Elizabethan look, but at the same time, has a contemporary twist on it. One of the things I picked up on first (after peaking through the head accessory) was the eyebrows. These appear to be blocked out from a distance, but it was only when I looked closer I actually realised that they were very red, much redder than the model's natural hair. I found this very interesting, because Elizabethans, traditionally, liked to have very minimal eyebrows, whereas in this look, they have actually been emphasised and stand out, but again, in an Elizabethan way (by specifically choosing the red colour). 

The rest of the make-up is fairly natural and quite light, e.g. the model does not appear to be wearing much eye make-up, and the contouring is not very dark or heavy. 

Another element that did come across as quite Elizabethan is the colour of the lips - they are quite a rouge colour, as Elizabethans often favoured, but it appears to have a slightly modern approach, as it appears almost coral and has a hint of pink. 

Furthermore, the outfits add to the 'New Elizabethan' feel - for example, the tight-waist, corset-like look and the ruffles around the neck. Also, the head accessories remind me of a caul, which was a popular hair accessory, often worn in the Elizabethan era. 

Overall, I think the catwalk looks were very inventive and Alexander McQueen has used influences and elements from the Elizabethan era extremely well, whilst a the same time, still putting her own modern and contemporary spin on them.