Did Alexander McQueen Create The Most Figure-Flattering Dress, Ever?

Alexander McQueen's collections never fail to thrill, and his spring offerings are no exception: he's created a dress that instantly transforms the woman who wears it into a va-va-voom goddess. (I could use that right about now. You?)

His optical striped column dress in super-fine knit with pagoda shoulders sculpts a shape that does wonders for any woman looking to make the best of what she's got, and minimise that which she'd rather forget (the lengthier list). And for those more straight-figured women? Instant curves.

Net-a-porter.com is running a fantastic feature on Alexander McQueen at the moment, and it's worth taking in, especially if you're looking to gain an appreciation for the dynamic British designer. Exclusive to Net-a-porter is the Alexander McQueen SS09 private show which showcases eight designs, including the optical column dress and the stunning tuxedo pantsuit, done in white pinstripe and solid black.

This collection is "all about the masculine-feminine mix" - and the result is ALL woman. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at McQueen doing model fittings before the show and a bit on the hair and make-up, followed by a look-by-look commentary, complete with styling tips that are also handy outside of this collection.

But, even if you don't look at any of that, you MUST watch the Retrospective - it's an exhilarating look back at McQueen's 15-year design career as represented through his unrivalled, dramatic shows, including the unforgettable live and automatic finishing of Shalom Harlow's dress by two robotic - and somewhat terrifying - paint sprayers. See Alexander McQueen SS09.