Remembering Alexander McQueen

Photo of Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 RTW courtesy of Style.com

On February 11, 2010, fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead, the result of suicide.  And with this great tragedy, the fashion world mournes the loss of a creative genius.

Alexander McQueen's designs were the spectacular result of expert old-world tailoring mixed with generous doses of rebellion.  While his lavish runway shows exemplified exactly how to shock, (headwear made of trash?  10-inch heels shaped like lobster claws?), closer examination of his clothing revealed beautifully tailored construction that draped the wearers' body as only haute couture can.  His designs were edgy, but never failed to seduce.

Alexander McQueen's grounding in fashion started at age 16, when he apprenticed for Saville Row tailors.  Even when working in the most fundamental, conservative area of clothing design, he stayed true to his bad-boy nature.  He famously wrote, "I am a c_ _ t" on the inside of the suit he was working on for Prince Charles before sewing in its lining.

Let us end with a quote that I feel summarizes exactly what Alexander McQueen was about.

When I design something, I'm giving my time to it.  I always have.  At 16, I was a tailor on Saville Row, making clothes for the Prince of Wales.  It took two weeks to make a jacket, even if I did write obscenities in the lining.  For our last show in Paris, we did a dress for Kate Moss made out of tiny pheasant feathers.  I'd thought:  'I want to try that, so why not do it?'

Quote from July 30, 2006, The Sunday Times, "When Heston Met Lee"

Photo of Alexander McQueen courtesy of Style.com

Comments

[wewakewewonder]

Hey Kate,

Hope you're well :)

I have two requests: when possible can you do posts on lingerie and on body types.

Love,
Kaya

[kellina]

Kate, I love your tribute, this is very well written. So tragic.

[everydayglamour]

Kaya,

It's great to hear from you! Ok, I love the requests. I'll think about how I'll spin those...
:)
Kate

[everydayglamour]

OH, it was shocking, wasn't it?

[notjustanothermilla]

Great tribute. Did you see Kate Annabelle and Naomi walking the runway? Poor Annabelle looked so scared of falling over.

I really like Kaya's suggestion. We could all do with some advice re lingerie and body types.

x

[everydayglamour]

Thank you! No, I didn't see the last runway show, but I don't blame Annabelle!

Ok, girls, your suggestions have been noted! :) I have to say though, that my "Valentines Day Should Be Every Day" post was all about lingerie: (thigh-highs, Chantilly lace, professional bra fitting & benefits, garters, grooming, the sure thing...;) )

As far as body types, I promise to continue to cover them, but I will do so in a subtle, nuanced way. For more "in your face" info on dressing for your figure, see my July 2009 posts, "Don't Fight Your Figure", "Pythagorus, Fibbonacci, & You!", and in August 2009, "Fabric: The Final Frontier".

Ok, I better update soon, huh? :)