Page 37 - Annual Magazine 2017

FASHION | A TRUE LEGEND

COLLECTIONS
His collections combined
an in-depth working
knowledge of bespoke
British tailoring

Beirut. Throughout this time, McQueen continued to grab the public’s well as for the romantic and determinedly contemporary nature of his
attention with his provocative, uncompromising, and often disturbing collections. However, it became inevitable that the British designer,
presence in the global fashion industry. Perhaps one of his most who had been awarded the coveted Designer of the Year Award at
memorable creations is the reptile-scaled lobster-claw shaped boots the British Fashion Awards four times, would come to be defined by
that became known as Armadillo boots. The 10-inch heels were made shock and violence. Despite his many accolades (McQueen also won
most famous by pop star Lady Gaga, one of McQueen’s biggest fans Men’s Wear Designer of the Year award in 2004, the CFDA Award for
herself. As daringly provocative as the Armadillo boots were, they Best International Designer in 2003, and was honoured with a CBE
were also accompanied by the very real fear that with one twist of an from Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the fashion industry), and
ankle, the whole runway show could end in disaster, and McQueen the true talent and hard work which shone through in his designs,
would be remembered for callously putting his models in danger. Alexander McQueen’s success was clearly fraught with internal
struggle. Following his tragic death, many concluded that his was a
narrative in which darkness would inevitably prevail.
He was a pink sheep The quality of McQueen’s work was often described in superlatives.
His collections combined an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke
in a family of black British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture
atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing. However,
cab drivers. behind it all was a troubled man who seemed to be heading towards an
inevitable bleak end. It is perhaps most fitting to his legacy, therefore,
that upon his death, the single item which was sold out worldwide was
the McQueen scarf adorned with his trademark skull motif. A subtle
reminder of a brilliant man who was ultimately engulfed by his own
Brutal imagery was echoed in McQueen’s shows throughout his darkness.
career. His debut in 1995 was the highly controversial Highland Rape
show. Models with matted hair, blanked out eyes, torn garments and
bloodied bodies ignited fury amongst the public. In his subsequent fame
seasons, McQueen’s shows were peppered with such imagery as rings
of flames and glass boxes shattering to reveal moths fluttering around McQueen never felt comfortable with his fame: "I didn't plan out
the masked face of a naked woman.
my life like that. When people recognise and respect what you do,
that's nice, but I don't think you ever do this to be famous. Fame
HIS INTERNAL STRUGGLES should be left to the film stars. We're just offering a service."
His shows were praised for their emotional power and raw energy, as
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