Sarah Burton’s brief (the designer only showed 10 looks due to her taking time off for her pregnancy) yet exquisite show for Alexander McQueen FW 2013 was laden with historical elements of costume and symbolism. In keeping with the design house’s tendency to draw upon historical inspiration, Burton looked to ecclesiastical garb, the Ballets Russes, and specifically the sartorial influence of Queen Elizabeth. Burton would showcase a collection entirely in black and white, two colors worn by Queen Elizabeth to symbolize and reinforce her virginal qualities, ruff-like collars indicative of the 16th-century ruff, and Burton would also rework the men’s 16th-century jerkin, a tunic-style jacket with a pleated skirt, onto several of the looks shown.