Mcqueen alexander biography

I learned lightness at Givenchy. I was a tailor at Savile Row. At Givenchy I learned to soften. For me, it was an education. As a designer I could have left it behind. But working at Givenchy helped me learn my craft. One of the defining features of Alexander McQueen's collections was their far-reaching historicism. The Highland Rape collection was informed by his Scottish heritage, referencing the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries, when tenants in the Scottish Highlands were forcefully evicted.

McQueen was particularly inspired by the 19th century, drawing frequently on Victorian Gothic. Radical re-presentations of historical narratives continued throughout his career. McQueen was also inspired by global influences. His initial foray into fashion began on Savile Row, where he honed his tailoring skills in some of London's most esteemed tailor shops.

Determined to further his fashion career, McQueen transitioned from tailoring to costume design, working with theatrical costume designers at Angels and Bermans.

Mcqueen alexander biography

This experience allowed him to develop a dramatic aesthetic that would later define his runway shows. He eventually moved to Milan to work as a design assistant for Italian designer Romeo Gigli, before returning to London. His graduate collection, inspired by Jack the Ripper, caught the attention of stylist Isabella Blow, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership in the fashion industry.

After gaining invaluable experience on Savile Row, Alexander McQueen transitioned into costume design which would significantly influence his unique aesthetic. Working with theatrical costume designers such as Angels and Bermans allowed him to explore dramatic styles that would later hallmark his fashion creations. This move marked a turning point in McQueen's career, fostering an appreciation for the interplay between narrative and fashion.

His time in Milan as a design assistant to renowned designer Romeo Gigli further refined his skills and expanded his vision, paving the way for his distinctive approach toward haute couture. She purchased the entire collection, propelling McQueen into the spotlight and establishing a close friendship that would support his artistic journey.

This ability to fuse dramatic storytelling with high fashion allowed McQueen to carve out a niche that set him apart from his contemporaries, ultimately leading to his appointment as the Chief Designer at Givenchy. Injust a few years after graduating, he was appointed Chief Designer at Givenchy, a prestigious French haute couture house owned by Louis Vuitton.

He introduced pieces such as the iconic "bumster" pants and staged runway shows that integrated elements of performance art, leaving audiences captivated and occasionally shocked. McQueen's time at Givenchy, which lasted untilwas marked by internal struggles as he wrestled with the constraints imposed by the established fashion house.

He shocked the fashion world by wrapping models in cellophane, incorporating tire tracks on jackets, and even sending a black model down the runway in handcuffs. His shows challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of fashion. In one collection, titled "There's No Place Like Home," McQueen showcased the effects of poverty and hardship, adorning dresses with mud and attaching a dead locust to highlight the famine in Africa.

He aimed to expose the dark side of society and provoke thought and discussion. InMcQueen joined the French fashion house Givenchy as the chief designer. Many saw this move as a clash between his edgy style and the elegance associated with Givenchy. However, McQueen proved his worth and brought a fresh perspective to the brand. He infused his rebellious spirit into the traditional designs of the house, attracting a new generation of customers.

During his time at Givenchy, McQueen continued to work on his eponymous label, McQueen, in collaboration with Onward Kashiyama, a Japanese fashion empire. Own label [ edit ]. Early runway shows [ edit ]. Mainstream publicity [ edit ]. Givenchy appointment [ edit ]. It's a Jungle out There [ edit ]. Voss [ edit ]. Gucci partnership [ edit ]. Plato's Atlantis [ edit ].

Final show [ edit ]. Accomplishments [ edit ]. Company [ edit ]. Collections [ edit ]. Main article: List of Alexander McQueen collections. Popular culture [ edit ]. Personal life [ edit ]. Death and memorial [ edit ]. McQueen's headstone at Kilmuir. Legacy and tributes [ edit ]. Museum exhibitions [ edit ]. In media [ edit ]. References [ edit ].

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