McQueen, for Hive-Minded Princesses Who Rule the Honeycomb Hideout

McQueen’s Spring 2013 collection shown in Paris on Tuesday was all about Queen Bees and Wannabes. Apparently designer Sarah Burton had apiology on the mind: Large hats resembled bee-keeping masks; trousers were printed with a honeycomb pattern, dresses were corseted and wasp-waisted; tiny golden bees flitted about on patterned fabric. And in case you didn’t get the point, there were images of a hive projected behind the models. While dark and luxe — McQueen traditions — the show didn’t have an evil sting: Honey is sweet, after all. And Cathy Horyn of the Times reports that at the end of the show, Burton played the song “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies.

Waxing poetic with romantic flower petals.

That tortoise bustier is the business.

Drones need not apply.

What’s the buzz, tell me what’s happening.

Golden honey? Royal jelly?

Bee-studded collar. Divine.

Unfortunately we don’t have access to the full show; see more looks here. Take note — we should see this one and this one on the red carpet next year. (Or on Gaga sooner?)