Savage Beauty: Alexander McQueen at the MET

Alexander McQueen is the single most significant designer and influence in my life and career as a fashion designer and artist.  McQueen’s rise coincided with my education from 1997-2004. I recall some of the most significant images and designs as I collected reference and struggled to build my own artistic identity. I can’t begin to tell you how significant it all was and still is, but I can tell you how amazing it was to visit the exhibit Savage Beauty at the MET. ( Showing through August 7th)

Cameras are not allowed in the exhibition, however, the initial crowd was such that I was able to get away with a few shots of my own. (sorry MET I hope you understand) But the book sold at the exhibit and on Amazon has amazing photos in it and well worth the purchase. It has a cool hologram cover that will enthrall you.

McQueen’s impeccable tailoring and draping are unparalleled. No one will ever have access to the education and knowledge he had. The resources, sadly, are disappearing from the world and virtually non-existent in the United States.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the exhibit. I love the way he did asymmetrical pleating and draping across the body. It’s definitely a design element I incorporate into my collections.

As well as his use of leather and skins…

A conceptual designer; he told a story in all of his collections with a head to toe look, accessories were as much a part of the design as each garment.

He pulled as much from nature as he did from the technology of his craft…

He could merge culture with tradition, the sublime with the macabre and reinvent the standard of beauty in the doing and undoing of it all. For the first time fashion had feeling not just mood.

It will be interesting to see how Sarah Burton, McQueen’s understudy for over a decade, will continue the house. It will also be interesting to see how the future of fashion is changed by the death of what may be the last of quality and informed genius.

“He created a world for himself where he could do anything he wanted to do, with no constraints, no merchandiser coming upstairs and asking, ‘Where’s my three-button jacket?’ That’s very rare in fashion.” – Sarah Burton

It’s true, the commercial side of fashion will always demand functional, cost effective product that targets a variety of consumers. However, I hope that fashion will continue to value those who put forth a creative and experimental approach to what can be done in fashion. It is an art, and to many, the forefront of personal expression.

Check out this interview with NPR’s Leonard Lopate and the MET’s curator for the show Andrew Bolton, here.