# Avian Influences Alexander McQueen Spring 2008 By Bianca | Published 2007-10-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alexander-mcqueen-spring-2008 References: [style](http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2008RTW/complete/thumb/AMCQUEEN?trend=&page=2) Birds have been influencing fashion this season, as was made evident again by Alexander McQueen's runway show in Paris today. From bird-of-paradise silhouettes to wing-like capes and feathered details, the show was an ode to delicate creatures of the sky. "The theme of birds—particularly symbolic of Blow—held the show together through a reprise of all the highlights of McQueen's career," Style.com reported. The "Blow" they mention is McQueen's late mentor, the designer who made him who he is today. As a tribute to Isabella Blow, he dedicated his entire collection to her. There could not be a more stylish way to honour someone whose life was devoted to the world of fashion, and no one could have pulled it off better than McQueen. The gallery shows the [bird-of-paradise inspirations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomimicry-fashion) in head adornments, colourful capes that resemble an extended set of wings, a stunning dress in what appears to resemble the feather patterns of an owl and a grey dress so pale, it evokes images of the soft plummage of a swan. Check out Trend Hunter's coverage of other [feathered fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiss-boots): ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Bird-inspired Fashion:** Opportunity for designers to create unique, bird-inspired fashion pieces incorporating feathers, wing-like capes, and bird-of-paradise silhouettes. - **Tribute Collections:** Chance for designers to pay tribute to influential figures in the fashion industry, showcasing collections inspired by their style and legacy. - **Animal-inspired Accessories:** Potential for designers to create head adornments and accessories inspired by different animals, such as bird-inspired headpieces. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in the fashion industry to explore and incorporate bird-inspired elements into designs, pushing the boundaries of creativity. - **Fashion Retail:** Opportunity for retailers to curate collections that celebrate designers' tribute to influential fashion figures, attracting customers seeking unique and meaningful fashion experiences. - **Fashion Accessories:** Potential for accessory designers to create unique animal-inspired pieces, such as bird-themed head adornments, appealing to individuals seeking statement accessories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bird-Inspired Ethereal Cosmetic Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/majestic-feathers.md) - [Canary-Inspired Fashion Clutches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canary-clutch.md) - [Holiday-Inspired Evening Wear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcqueen-holiday-2025.md) - [Inflatable Dome Fashion Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-dome-fashion-show.md) - [Wild Animal-Decorated Gowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schiaparelli-lion-head.md) - [Bird Feather-Inspired Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiss-boots.md) - [Whimsical Feminine Runway Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-rose-sparrow.md) - [Pride-Honoring Bird Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pride-birds.md) - [Avant-Garde Biomimicry Fashion Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomimicry-fashion.md)