Fashion

Q is for Alexander McQueen

You probably haven’t heard of Lee McQueen, born in 1969 in London to an East End cab driver. But Alexander McQueen – the infamous bad-boy of the fashion world – is recognised world-wide as the racy Brit designer who repeatedly seduces the world with his collections.

McQueen is renowned for both the emotional power and raw energy of his shows, as well as the romantic but unwaveringly contemporary nature of the collections. Integral to his style is the juxtaposition between the contrasting elements of fragility and strength, traditional and modern, and fluidity and severity – but always present in his designs is an unwavering attention to impeccable tailoring and workmanship.

Born as the youngest of six children, McQueen has often described himself as the “pink sheep” of the family, and at the age of just 16, had already decided to devote himself to fashion.

Dropping out of school to take on a number of apprenticeships, the experience gave him the opportunity to sharpen and master many different tailoring techniques, for which he is famed today. At just 21 he moved to Milan to work with Romeo Gigli, and shortly after was able to complete a Masters degree in fashion design at the prestigious Central St. Martins College back in London.

His exquisite tailoring and inventive designs caught the attention of fashion legend Isabella Blow, who famously bought his entire student collection and became his patron. Like any savvy designer, he then set out to make a name for himself and craft a reputation.

His shows were indulgently theatrical, his style was dramatically razor-sharp, and his bad-boy image saw him gain huge media attention and public interest – and the nickname ‘L’enfant Terrible’.

Attitude in tow, McQueen and his self-titled label quickly took over fashionable London, and with his provocative and outrageous designs and potent combination of controversy, creativity and technical mastery, he has been named British Designer of the Year three times and has gained a faithful celebrity following, with fans such as David Bowie and Prodigy’s Keith Flint.

In 1997 he was employed by couture house Givenchy, but after dismissing the label’s founder, Hubert de Givenchy, as ‘irrelevant’ and feeling creatively stifled, his first line for the fashion giant bombed. In the notoriously unforgiving world of fashion this could have spelled the end for a lesser designer, but still respected in the industry he was given a second chance, and in 2000 Gucci purchased a controlling interest in the ‘McQueen’ line.

This move ended McQueen’s turbulent relationship with Givenchy and gave him a greater creative license, and with the support of the Gucci Group behind him, McQueen is a now a fully fledged brand with collections including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, eyewear, shoes, and fragrances.

But that’s no surprise really. After all – who doesn’t love a bad boy?

By Nikki Webber - Christchurch