Alexander McQueen F/W 1996 Life is Pain Sheer Mesh Dress
This dress from Alexander McQueen's Fall/Winter 1996 Dante collection features sheer fabric with bold lettering across the chest and an embroidered image of Dante Alighieri's face, along with a flaming cross beneath. The piece also includes McQueen's AM crest on the back. In excellent vintage condition, it shows no visible signs of wear.
This dress from Alexander McQueen's Fall/Winter 1996 Dante collection features sheer fabric with bold lettering across the chest and an embroidered image of Dante Alighieri's face, along with a flaming cross beneath. The piece also includes McQueen's AM crest on the back. In excellent vintage condition, it shows no visible signs of wear.
This dress from Alexander McQueen's Fall/Winter 1996 Dante collection features sheer fabric with bold lettering across the chest and an embroidered image of Dante Alighieri's face, along with a flaming cross beneath. The piece also includes McQueen's AM crest on the back. In excellent vintage condition, it shows no visible signs of wear.
Product Details
Brand: Alexander McQueen
Design: Mini
Size: N/A (missing tag; recommended size S)
Measurements:
Length: 80.00 cm / 31.50 in
Width: 39.00 cm / 15.35 in
Colour: Beige
Material: N/A (missing tag)
Period: 1996
Condition: A
Place of Origin: Italy
Delivery & Returns
Delivery & Returns
Editor's Note
“I think religion has caused every war in the world, which is why I showed in a church.” - Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen's Fall 1996 collection, Dante, was a masterful fusion of Christianity and the occult, drawing heavy inspiration from Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. McQueen's fascination with religious and historical dualities was reflected in the show’s setting at London’s Christ Church, an 18th-century structure that he believed had connections to architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, whose work was rumoured to have ties to satanism. With its imposing gothic architecture, the church provided a fitting backdrop for McQueen's exploration of religious symbolism and the darker side of human nature. In the front row, McQueen placed a human skeleton, further amplifying the show’s morbid and introspective themes. The collection was an examination of the destructive role of religion in human conflict, with McQueen remarking, “I think religion has caused every war in the world, which is why I showed in a church.”
The collection itself was a study in contrasts, with McQueen using colours like black (symbolizing death), white (purity), and lilac (Victorian mourning) to frame his designs. This collection also marked McQueen's debut in menswear, establishing his tradition of theatrical fashion shows that would continue until his death in 2010.
This dress features the "Life is Pain" graphic—extremely coveted and valuable. A truly rare and museum-worthy piece, it is highly sought after by discerning collectors.
The print on this dress was also featured on a tank top variation worn by Mel B.
