How is this Byzantine?

Certainly my choices are not always direct--but how many centuries separate the Byzantine Empire and our time? How can it possibly be a direct representation? It may be the embellishment, it may be the dangling jewelry that resembles the Empress' imperial headwear and diadem, or the geometric patterns in their imperial robes, and so on. Many times there is a mix of several different influences, or perhaps it is the perpetuation of that Byzantine stereotype that everything must be incredibly elaborate, ornate and be-jeweled.
Whatever the case, there's no question I love to think that the images, and symbols from so long ago still contain meaning and interest for people today.

Alexander McQueen, Fall 2008, Ready-To-Wear