1969-2010
(Palomo-Lovinski, Noel)
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen
Biography:
Born on
March 17, 1969, Alexander McQueen was born in Lewisham, London (bio.com).
Throughout his life, he created a "bad boy" image for himself and his
fashion which became known world-wide (Alford). McQueen wasn't born into a
fashion loving family like other designers. He was born into a working class
family with a cab diver father and a social science teacher mother (bio.com).
From a young age, Alexander McQueen always knew he was somewhat different from
the other boys in his school. He discovered his true sexuality and was
constantly teased about it, causing his to drop out of high school at the young
age of 16 (bio.com). McQueen made his way into the fashion world by working
with a made-to-wear men's suit tailor on Savile Row (bio.com). Doing this
sparked an interest for McQueen and he desired to further his designing
aesthetic and interest. He began to work with theatrical costume designers
Angels and Bermans (bio.com). Which explains his extravagant and "out
there" designs walking down the runways. After attending fashion school in
1992, he created a collection for his final project which was inspired by Jack
the Ripper (bio.com). Surprisingly, the entire collection was purchased by a well-known
stylist Isabella Blow, which later became his muse and inspiration for his
designs. For many years, Isabella remained a constant inspiration and helped
him with his designs. Sadly, in 2007, Isabella committed suicide. She became to
sole inspiration for his 2008 collection and McQueen said, "her death was
the most valuable thing I learned in fashion" (bio.com). Two years later,
the death of his other occurred, causing him to spiral out of control even more
(bio.com). Just one day before the funeral for his mother, he was found dead,
due to comitting suicide (bio.com). Alexander McQueen has worked with various
fashion houses, including Gucci and being the cheif designer of Givenchy
(Alford). Through his time in the fashion world, he had established many trends
and pushed the boundaries of the industry.
(stylesight.com)
(stylesight.com)
(stylesight.com)
Throughout
the time of Alexander McQueen's designing, there were many changes occurring
throughout the world. From the Vietnam War to rebellious teens, McQueen's
designs directly correlated with the zeitgeist of the time. Alexander McQueen
said, "fashion is so indicative of the political and social climate in
which we live, what we wear will always be a symptom of our environment"
(Palomo-Lovinski Noel). He was always very aware of what was occurring around
him and throughout the world. By being so heavily influenced and educated on
the world, his designs reflected times of darkness. With Isabella's influence,
alive or not, his work reflected deep and dark times.
Alexander
McQueen is an icon do to his impeccable attention to detail, extravagant
designs, and the messages displayed through his clothing and runway shows. His
idea is to shock people with his designs and show them something that's never
been seen before. McQueen pushed the boundaries that society created and pushed
away "socially acceptable" (bio.com). From sequins to embroidery to
metal face cages, McQueen has done it all. He has brought a new outlook on
haute couture and not only made it youthful, but fun.
(stylesight.com)
Analyzing Future Trends:
McQueen
has influence many designers to push the boundaries, plunge necklines, and
think out of the box. He helped Gucci expand their thinking to designs they
never though about creating, and he made them successful. By having a story be
told by the fashions on the runway, McQueen inspired many to do the same. He
has used unconventional items in his runway garments, sparking excitement and
curiousness in others.
I believe
that Alexander McQueen did not create a lasting silhouette, although he created
signature. His idea behind his designs is for others to have fun, which
certainly shows through is designs. Putting animal ears on models and creating
volume in every garment, McQueen has created a signature style. I believe the
signature style is bold, fun, dark and mysterious due to research from his
terrifyingly creepy runway shows.
Looking through my closet, I have noticed a few things inspired by
Alexander McQueen. He currently offers a silk skull scarf to purchase on his
website, and I have one that is similar to it, although it is not Alexander
McQueen. I believe anything with impeccable detail could be inspired by
McQueen's love for sparkle and detail.
(stylesight.com)
(stylesight.com)
Alexander McQueen Biography." Bio.com. A&E
Networks Television, n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.
"Alexander McQueen's Wildest Runway Moments." StyleList.
N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.
Palomo-Lovinski, Noel, “Alexander McQueen. “ The World’s
Most Influential Fashion Designers: Hidden Connections and Lasting Legacies of
Fashion’s Iconic Creators. New York, NY: Barron’s, 2010. 174-77. Print.
"Stylesight." Fashion Trend Forecasting and
Analysis. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.
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