ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: AN INFLUENTIAL FASHION DESIGNER

“I’m interested in designing for posterity. People who buy McQueen are going to hand the clothes down to their children, and that’s very rare today.” –Alexander McQueen

Dramatic, intricate, dark and beautiful construction are a few things that come to mind when hearing Alexander McQueen. This fashion icon has demanded attention with his lavish designs and structured pieces. Known for exquisite detailing, sharp tailoring, and a strong theatrical presence in his clothing, McQueen quickly captured the fashion world. Each item from a collection is like a piece of art, timeless and treasured.

Born in London in 1969, McQueen started his fashion career while training on Savile Row at tailors Anderson and Shephard and the Gieves & Hawkes. He worked at Angels and Bermans and designed theatrical costumes where he mastered the six methods of pattern cutting. He has skills ranging from designing 16^th century inspired clothing to his signature sharp tailoring. After completing his masters in Fashion Design at Central Saint Martin’s, he showed his collection in 1992. The entire collection was bought by Isabella Blow.

Alexander McQueen’s designs are both well crafted and emotionally powerful. His passion for design and creation is evident in all his items. They combine contrasting elements such as fluidity and severity, fragility and strength, and tradition and modernity. Alexander McQueen’s collections include his knowledge and expertise in British tailoring, workmanship similar to a French Haute couture house and the finish of Italian manufacturing.

McQueen’s reputation skyrocketed at an extremely fast pace. In less than ten years he was considered one of the most respected fashion designers in the world. Although controversial at times, his stunning and innovative designs shocked the fashion world and Alexander McQueen became a household name. His designs were worn by many celebrities and his unconventional runway shows became a spectacle. His creations pushed boundaries no designer had ever crossed before. Each collection was more unique and twisted but each still incorporated his impeccable craftsmanship. In 1996, he became Chief Designer at Givenchy, a position originally held by John Galliano. He continued to work there until March of 2001.

In December 2000, 51% of Alexander McQueen was bought by the Gucci Group, but Alexander McQueen remained the Creative Director. The brand includes women’s ready-to-wear, accessories and eyewear, and also men’s ready-to-wear and fragrance. McQueen’s talent was well noted and rewarded. McQueen has won the British Fashion Awards ‘British Designer of the Year’ four times. He also has received the CFDA award for Best International Designer in 2003 and was honored with a CBE by Queen Elizabeth II. His signature looks were sharp, angled gowns with intricate embroidery and lace, frock coats paired with skinny pants and bumsters, which were low cut jeans.

Alexander McQueen continued to deliver his exquisitely constructed pieces until he suddenly died in 2010. The brand appointed Sarah Burton, who worked with McQueen for more than fourteen years, as the Creative Director. She continues to focus on technical excellence and handcraft in each item. The brand still delivers the eccentric and intricate detailing that it was founded on. It continues to be one of the most popular, influential and talked about houses in the fashion industry and will continue to be in the future. 

By: Hailey Curtis, Alison McDonagh, Kate Londgren and Lauren Rule