How does one sum up the relatively short life of Alexander 'Lee' McQueen? personally, I don't think it's possible. 'Genius' is a rare thing in the fashion world, but is aptly appropriate when describing what McQueen achieved in his all too short 18 year career.
Design is like music in a way. Most designers find a note that works for them and design to that key, then there are designers like McQueen that play symphonies, not only with the eyes, but with the heart. His designs truly were exposed and raw, honest and emotional.
Each show was a production, McQueen made sure that all the senses were exhilerated. Viewers were taken on a ride, from the two way glass of a mental institution in Voss S/S 2001 to beneath a tulle clad tree in The Girl Who Lived In A Tree A/W2009. Other Elaborate sets have included a blackened pile of props in the centre of a cracked glass floor for The Horn Of Plenty A/W 09/10, A giant human chessboard in Its only a game S/S 05, and the sterile white catwalk with mechanised cameras following the model's every move in Platos Atlantis S/S 10
He was a designer that respected the traditional yet had the ability to be so far advanced, he once said
“You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.”
His artistry was not only a pleasure to witness but a privelege. Collections like his re-ignite the spark that is often lost in fashion for the sake of saleability. His Life was dedicated to exposing his soul through the media of fashion. The passion and drama of fashion, the seams of his being.
As his final collection was shown in a quiet salon in Paris, the last look, a formfitting gold feathered jacket worn over a fishtailing full tulle skirt laced with gold embroidery, it was seen who Alexander McQueen was...
Designer
Artist
Genius
It is only fitting that the Met celebrate the work that this truly gifted designer shared with us all.
Alexander McQueen:Savage Beauty
Metropolitan Museum, May 4-July 31
Voss S/S 01
The Girl Who Lived In A Tree A/W2009
Its only a game S/S 05
Irere S/S 03
The Horn Of Plenty A/W 09/10
Widdows Of Culloden A/W 06/07
Platos Atlantis S/S 10
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