“I find beauty in the grotesque, like most artists. I have to force people to look at things.” – Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty poster featuring an ethereal silk dress from A/W 2010 at Met Museum, New York City
Alexander McQueen was one in a billion. He remains was one of fashion’s most influential, imaginative, and inspiring designers at the turn of the millennium. In landmark collections presented over a prolific 19-year career, he challenged and expanded our understanding of clothing beyond utility to a conceptual expression of culture, politics, and identity. Among his recurring themes and narrative concepts were Victorian England and the Byronic anti-hero as well as the dark undercurrents of nature. Whether they showcase skulls, tartan plaids, reptile skin, butterflies, or feathers, McQueen’s extraordinary creations celebrate his deep engagement with the sublime.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City will be holding an exhibition of McQueen’s work from 4 May to 31 July 2011. They have dedicated a blog within the Met’s website here to all things Savage Beauty. The exhibition has been divided into 6 themes reflecting on McQueen’s phenomenal and haunting creations. The exhibition will feature approximately 100 ensembles and 70 accessories and drawn primarily from the Alexander McQueen Archive in London, with some pieces from the Givenchy Archive in Paris as well as private collections and signature designs.
I wish I was in New York City during this period to witness this astounding collection of McQueen’s blood, sweat and tears. For those who are in NYC, go savour this opportunity to admire the beauty that is McQueen’s finest works of art which begins today till end of July.
From Romantic Nationalism to Romantic Primitivism, McQueen embraced it all
For the love of McQueen: Inside the Exhibition
Some of his brilliant mind on display at the Met.
The Romantic Mind: Coat "Jack the Ripper stalks his victims", Dress "Plato's Atlantis", Jacket "It's a Jungle out there"
Romantic Gothic: Ensemble "Dante", Ensemble A/W 2010, Dress "The Horn of Plenty"
Cabinet of Curiosities: Dress "It's Only a Game", Ensemble "No. 13", Dress "No. 13"
Romantic Nationalism: Dress "Highland Rape", Ensemble "The Girl who lives in a tree", Ensemble "Widows of Culloden"
Romantic Exoticism: Dress "It's Only a Game", Ensemble "VOSS", Ensemble "VOSS", Dress "VOSS"
Romantic Primitivism: Dress "Eshu", Ensemble "It's a Jungle out There", Oyster Dress "Irere"
Romantic Naturalism: "Jellyfish" Ensemble "Plato's Atlantis", Dress "Sarabande", Dress "Widows of Culloden", Dress "Sarabande"
You can also purchase the book from Met Museum’s online store. Here is a description of the book.
Alexander McQueen, designer (1969 - 2010)
By Andrew Bolton, with contributions by Susannah Frankel and Tim Blanks; Photography by Sølve Sundsbø
Alexander McQueen (British, 1969–2010) was one of the most influential, imaginative, and provocative designers of his generation. His clothing both challenged and expanded the conventional parameters of fashion to express ideas about culture, politics, and identity. Rare among designers, McQueen saw beyond clothing’s physical constraints to its ideological and conceptual possibilities, addressing questions related to race, class, gender, religion, sexuality, and the environment.
Featuring the most iconic and radical designs of his prolific career, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty examines the designer’s evolution from the start of his fledgling label, to his years as creative director at Givenchy in Paris, and finally to the collections of his own world-renowned London house. It reveals how McQueen adapted and combined the fundamentals of Savile Row tailoring, the specialized techniques of haute couture—such as lacework, embroidery, and featherwork—and technological innovation to achieve his distinctive aesthetic. It also focuses on the highly sophisticated narrative structures found in McQueen’s collections and in his extravagant runway presentations, which suggested the most avant-garde installation and performance art.
Published on the occasion of an exhibition organized by the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute, this stunning book includes a preface by curator Andrew Bolton; an introduction by Susannah Frankel; an interview with Sarah Burton, creative director of the house of Alexander McQueen, conducted by Tim Blanks; and illuminating commentary from the designer himself. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty celebrates the astounding creativity and originality of a designer who relentlessly questioned and confronted the requisites of fashion.
240 pages, 293 full-color illustrations. 9 3/4” x 13 1/8”. Hardcover, with holographic image.
I’ve already ordered mine on Amazon.com, though it’s gonna take some time before it gets to me. This book is going to be a fascinating read and definitely a collector’s keeper.
All photos courtesy of the Costume Institute and sourced via Metropolitan Museum of Art. I do not own any of the images.