The fall 2008 collection was called 'The Girl Who Lived in a Tree'. My client bought it in that time period and though it is not a piece shown on the runway you can see the same bird and woodland animal references within the silk brocade it is made from. The 2008 collection was inspired by a combination of McQueen's trip to India and a 600 year old elm in his garden and this dress certainly has that element. The birds adorning Look 23 from the runway collection is especially close to the pattern of the birds in this dress. The V&A says of this collection:

McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2008 collection centred on a fairytale narrative devised by McQueen about a girl who descends from a tree to marry a prince and then become a queen. It was inspired by a 600-year-old elm tree in the garden of the designer’s Sussex home. At the centre of the set stood a giant tree swathed in fabric, inspired by Bulgarian artist Christo, who is renowned for wrapping buildings with material.

The dress is astounding and the work of a master tailor. Rarely does one see this level of workmanship in ready to wear. The fabric is a beautiful silk brocade with a forest of animals romping over its surface. The cut is pure McQueen with a high neckline that is made from numerous, tightly spaced seams that curve and create the ruffled effect that frames the neckline in a graceful swoop of fabric. The sleeves are high and curved under with just a touch of volume.  At the front the bodice is fitted and buttons. I have shown it completely buttoned so you can get the full effect of the intended shape and line but you could wear it more open to show a touch of skin. This fitted upper shoulder, neck and front bodice perfectly balance the enormous volume of fabric that curves out from the waist and then curves in at the hem. At the back this curve originates just under the shoulder with those beautiful seams running down the upper back and then opening to create that amazing silhouette. It is a work of art from one of the great creators of our time. Excellent condition with one note below to review on the interior seams. Appears unworn otherwise.

Fully lined in olive colored silk and closes at the front neck with buttons. There is stress to the inner seam construction that runs under the tag at the back but this of course does not effect the exterior. I have taken a shot of it so you can see the seams all the way down the interior - they are still sound so have been left exactly as found. Tagged a McQueen 40 and otherwise appears unworn.  The cut will allow for a variety of sizes as long as the bust fits.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2858

Reference photo: Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 for Vogue Runway, Look 23, Model Georgina Stojilkovic

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