Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana may not have been the only ones referencing the Papacy this season. Sarah Burton, the designer for Alexander McQueen, presented a collection at the Opera Comique in Paris on Tuesday that was inspired by “the high church” – and offered futuristic takes on ecclesiastical dress, “from communion gowns to cardinals’ robes.” She presented only ten looks (since she only recently gave birth to twins) but what ten looks they were – five pairs of looks featuring white and gold with fur and lace.  There were four beaded black looks, with strong metal belts. Models wore beaded headpieces with lattice-work and pearl-encrusted boots.   

The finale was a dramatic tribute to Queen Elizabeth I, with an ornate white dress with a bodice of gold brocade and a starched collar.