Romantic Gothicism, high Victoriana, neo-classical goddesses and warriors from the Ottoman Empire; these were just some of the references made by Alexander McQueen in his breathtaking autumn / winter 2008/9 fashion show.  The genius of the far-reaching collection lay in the designer's ability to re-interpret these themes. Thus, a Jimi Hendrix military jacket was transformed into the top half of an empire-line dress; a traditional Turkish soldier's costume of old was re-cast as a ball gown, and the Queen of England's Imperial robes were recycled into a white fur coat and red satin skirt over frothy netting. McQueen recently posted company profits for the first time, and seeing his work, it's clear why: for all its fantasy, the dresses on display were the kind a 21^st Century woman wants to be seen in.   -Danielle Radojcin