Alexander McQueen

Synopsis

Celebrating the astounding creativity and originality of designer Alexander McQueen, who relentlessly questioned and confronted the requisites of fashion
 
"An authoritative and moving insight into the legacy of the British designer."-Carola Long, Financial Times
 
"McQueen's brilliance is celebrated in this sumptuous tome."-Harper's Bazaar
 
"Excellent."-Huffington Post
 
Arguably the most influential, imaginative, and provocative designer of his generation, Alexander McQueen both challenged and expanded fashion conventions to express ideas about race, class, sexuality, religion, and the environment. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty examines the full breadth of the designer's career, from the start of his fledgling label to the triumphs of his own world-renowned London house. It features his most iconic and radical designs, revealing how McQueen adapted and combined the fundamentals of Savile Row tailoring, the specialized techniques of haute couture, and technological innovation to achieve his distinctive aesthetic. It also focuses on the highly sophisticated narrative structures underpinning his collections and extravagant runway presentations, with their echoes of avant-garde installation and performance art.
 
Published to coincide with an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art organized by The Costume Institute, this stunning book includes a preface by Andrew Bolton; an introduction by Susannah Frankel; an interview by Tim Blanks with Sarah Burton, creative director of the house of Alexander McQueen; illuminating quotes from the designer himself; provocative and captivating new photography by renowned photographer Sølve Sundsbø; and a lenticular cover by Gary James McQueen.
 
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
 
Exhibition Schedule:
 
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(May 4-August 7, 2011)

Read more

Summary

Chapter 1: The Early Years

* McQueen's childhood in East London and early artistic influences
* His decision to pursue fashion and apprenticeship with Anderson & Sheppard
* Real example: McQueen's early sketches and experimentation with tailoring techniques

Chapter 2: The London Underground and Beyond

* McQueen's breakthrough show, "Taxi Driver," and its exploration of violence and vulnerability
* His collaborations with Isabella Blow and Björk
* Real example: McQueen's iconic "bumster" pants, which challenged traditional notions of femininity

Chapter 3: Givenchy and Beyond

* McQueen's appointment as Creative Director of Givenchy in 1996
* His controversial and unconventional designs for the French fashion house
* Real example: McQueen's "Highland Rape" collection, which evoked themes of Scottish heritage and violence

Chapter 4: Rebirth and Renewal

* McQueen's departure from Givenchy and the founding of his eponymous label
* His exploration of dark themes and his use of innovative materials
* Real example: McQueen's "Plato's Atlantis" collection, which featured dresses made of cellophane and silicone

Chapter 5: Nature and Mortality

* McQueen's fascination with nature and its representation in fashion
* His use of organic materials and his exploration of themes of fragility and decay
* Real example: McQueen's "Irere" collection, which featured dresses that resembled bird skulls and animal bones

Chapter 6: Legacy and Influence

* McQueen's untimely death in 2010 and its impact on the fashion industry
* His enduring influence on contemporary fashion designers
* Real example: The posthumous release of McQueen's "Widows of Culloden" collection, which showcased his unparalleled skill in craftsmanship and storytelling

Chapter 7: Alexander McQueen: The Exhibition

* The 2011 retrospective exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
* Its exploration of McQueen's work through the lens of art, fashion, and history
* Real example: The exhibition's display of McQueen's iconic "Bedlam" dress, which symbolized his struggle with mental illness

Epilogue

* The enduring legacy of Alexander McQueen and his contributions to the world of fashion
* His innovative designs, his exploration of challenging themes, and his unparalleled craftsmanship continue to inspire and challenge generations of designers and consumers.