Welcome to the second installment of our new column featuring fashion illustrator, designer and creative director Shane Ballard’s weekly style observations. For this, he zeroes in on Sarah Burton’s first outing at the house of Alexander Mcqueen.

Alexander McQueen is no longer with us, but his vision lives on in the capable hands of Sarah Burton. She followed in her mentor’s footsteps, creating a fantastic garden of earthly delights for The House of McQueen’s Spring 2011 collection. I was particularly inspired by this gold brocade suit, trimmed with metallic raffia mane. Another standout, this gown with its gilded lace bodice and skirt of frothy organza fringe. I believe McQueen’s singular voice and consistent virtuosity will make him a artistic legend, whose vision will transcend time.

-Shane Ballard