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==The final show==
==The final show==
Right before Alexander McQueen's death he had an eighty percent unfinished autumn/ winter collection, 16 pieces, presented in Paris during 2010 Fashion Week. Fashion editors picked his final designs. Editors said the show was hard to watch because it showed how McQueen was obsessed with the afterlife. The clothes had a medieval and religious look. Basic colors that were repetitively used were red, gold and silvers with detailed embroidery. His models were accessorized to show his love for theatrical imagery. "Each piece is unique, as was he," McQueen's fashion house said in a statement that was released with the collection.
Right before Alexander McQueen's death he had an eighty percent unfinished autumn/ winter collection, 16 pieces, presented in Paris during 2010 Fashion Week. Fashion editors picked his final designs. Editors said the show was hard to watch because it showed how McQueen was obsessed with the afterlife. The clothes had a medieval and religious look. Basic colors that were repetitively used were red, gold and silvers with detailed embroidery. His models were accessorized to show his love for theatrical imagery. "Each piece is unique, as was he," McQueen's fashion house said in a statement that was released with the collection.

After company owner Gucci confirmed that the brand would continue, McQueen's long-term assistant [[Sarah Burton]] was named as the new creative director of Alexander McQueen in May 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100527-sarah-burton-is-named-new-creative-.aspx|title=Burton For McQueen|author=Sarah Deeks|publisher=Vogue|date=27 May 2010|accessdate=29 April 2011}}</ref> In September 2010, Burton presented her first womenswear collection in Paris.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,9981|title=Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2011 collection|publisher=Vogue|accessdate=29 April 2011}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 12:27, 29 April 2011

This article is about the designer. For the brand, see Alexander McQueen (brand). For the actor, see Alex MacQueen.
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen at his Fall 2009 collection
Born
Lee Alexander McQueen

(1969-03-17)17 March 1969
Lewisham, London, UK
Died11 February 2010(2010-02-11) (aged 40)[1]
Mayfair, London, UK
NationalityBritish
EducationCentral Saint Martins
Label(s)Alexander McQueen, McQ
Parent(s)Ronald McQueen
Joyce McQueen
(deceased 1934-2010)
AwardsBritish Fashion Designer of the Year
Commander of the Order of the British Empire Council of Fashion Designers of America International Designer of the Year 2003

Lee Alexander McQueen, CBE (17 March 1969– 11 February 2010) was a British fashion designer and couturier best known for his in-depth knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, his tendency to juxtapose female strength and sensuality with fragility in his collections, as well as the emotional power and raw energy of his provocative fashion shows.[2] He is also known for having worked as chief designer at Givenchy from 1996 to 2001 and for founding his own label under the name Alexander McQueen.[2] His achievements in fashion earned him four British Designer of the Year awards (1996, 1997, 2001 and 2003), as well as the CFDA's International Designer of the Year award in 2003.[2]

Early life and education

Born on 17 March 1969 in Lewisham, London, to Scottish[3] taxi driver Ronald[4] and social science teacher Joyce, McQueen was the youngest of six children.[5][6] He grew up in a council flat[7] in a tower block in Stratford.[8] He attended Carpenters Road Primary School. He started making dresses for his three sisters at a young age and announced his intention to become a fashion designer.[9]

McQueen attended Rokeby School and left aged 16 in 1985 with one O-level in art,[5] going on to serve an apprenticeship with Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, before joining Gieves & Hawkes and, later, the theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans.[10] The skills he learned as an apprentice on Savile Row helped earn him a reputation in the fashion world as an expert in creating an impeccably tailored look. [11]

Career

While on Savile Row, McQueen's clients included Mikhail Gorbachev and Prince Charles. At the age of 20 he spent a period of time working for Koji Tatsuno before travelling to Milan, Italy and working for Romeo Gigli.[9]

McQueen returned to London in 1994 and applied to Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, to work as a pattern cutter tutor. Because of the strength of his portfolio he was persuaded by the Head of the Masters course to enroll in the course as a student.[9] He received his masters degree in fashion design and his graduation collection was bought in its entirety by influential fashion stylist Isabella Blow, who was said to have persuaded McQueen to become known as Alexander (his middle name) when he subsequently launched his fashion career.[6][9]

Icelandic singer Björk sought McQueen's work for the cover of her album Homogenic in 1997.[12] McQueen also directed the music video for her song "Alarm Call" from the same album.[13]

Camilla Belle in a 2009 dress by Alexander McQueen, listed among "100 Best Dresses of the Decade" by InStyle Magazine.[14]

McQueen's early runway collections developed his reputation for controversy and shock tactics (earning the title "l'enfant terrible" and "the hooligan of English fashion"),[4] with trousers aptly named "bumsters" and a collection entitled "Highland Rape".[5][15][16] In 2004, journalist Caroline Evans also wrote of McQueen's "theatrical staging of cruelty," in 032c magazine, referring to his dark and tortured renderings of Scottish History.[17] McQueen was known for his lavish, unconventional runway shows: a recreation of a shipwreck for his spring 2003 collection; spring 2005's human chess game; and his fall 2006 show "Widows of Culloden," which featured a life-sized hologram of supermodel Kate Moss dressed in yards of rippling fabric.[18]

McQueen's "bumsters" spawned a trend in low rise jeans; on their debut they attracted many comments and debate.[11] Michael Oliveira-Salac, the director of Blow PR and a friend of McQueen's said that "The bumster for me is what defined McQueen."[11] McQueen also became known for using skulls in his designs. A scarf bearing the motif became a celebrity must-have and was copied around the world.[11]

McQueen has been credited with bringing drama and extravagance to the catwalk.[11] He used new technology and innovation to add a different twist to his shows and often shocked and surprised audiences. The silhouettes that he created have been credited for adding a sense of fantasy and rebellion to fashion.[11] McQueen became one of the first designers to use Indian models in London.[11]

McQueen also designed a range of dresses under the name of "manta", priced at around £2800. The line, named after the manta ray, was inspired by a holiday McQueen took in the Maldives in 2009. The designs have been worn by various models and celebrities, including Lily Cole.[19]

Givenchy appointment

The president of LVMH, Bernard Arnault, caused a stir when he appointed McQueen head designer at Givenchy in 1996, succeeding John Galliano.[9] Upon arrival at Givenchy, McQueen insulted the founder by calling him "irrelevant". His first couture collection with Givenchy was unsuccessful, with even McQueen telling Vogue in October 1997 that the collection was "crap". McQueen toned down his designs at Givenchy, but continued to indulge his rebellious streak, causing controversy in autumn 1998 with a show which included spraying paint over white cotton dresses and double amputee model Aimee Mullins striding down the catwalk on intricately carved wooden legs.[9][16] McQueen stayed with Givenchy until March 2001, when the contract he said was "constraining his creativity" ended.[9]

Accomplishments

Some of McQueen's accomplishments included being one of the youngest designers to achieve the title "British Designer of the Year", which he won four times between 1996 and 2003;[10] he was also awarded the CBE and named International Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers in 2003.[20]

December 2000 saw a new partnership for McQueen, with the Gucci Group acquiring 51% of his company and McQueen serving as Creative Director.[5] Plans for expansion included the opening of stores in London, Milan and New York, and the launch of his perfumes Kingdom and, most recently, My Queen. In 2005, McQueen collaborated with Puma to create a special line of trainers for the shoe brand.[21] In 2006 he launched McQ, a younger, more renegade lower priced line for men and women.

McQueen became the first designer to participate in MAC's promotion of cosmetic releases created by fashion designers. The collection, McQueen, was released on 11 October 2007 and reflected the looks used on the Autumn/Winter McQueen catwalk. The inspiration for the collection was the Elizabeth Taylor movie Cleopatra, and thus the models sported intense blue, green, and teal eyes with strong black liner extended Egyptian-style. McQueen handpicked the makeup.

Company

By the end of 2007, Alexander McQueen had boutiques in London, New York, Los Angeles, Milan and Las Vegas. Celebrity patrons, including Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, Sarah Jessica Parker and Rihanna, J-Pop Queens such as Ayumi Hamasaki, Namie Amuro, and Koda Kumi have frequently been spotted wearing Alexander McQueen clothing to events.[22] Björk, Ayumi Hamasaki and Lady Gaga have often incorporated Alexander McQueen pieces in their music videos.[23] By wearing his designs, celebrities such as the above mentioned have further increased the notability of the McQueen brand.

Personal life

McQueen was openly gay and said he realized his sexual orientation when very young.[24] He told his family when he was 18 and, after a rocky period, they accepted his sexuality.[5] He described coming out at a young age by saying, "I was sure of myself and my sexuality and I've got nothing to hide. I went straight from my mother's womb onto the gay parade".[25]

In the summer of 2000, McQueen unofficially married his partner George Forsyth, a documentary filmmaker, on a yacht in Ibiza.[26] The relationship ended a year later and McQueen and Forsyth formed a close friendship.[27]

McQueen received press attention after the May 2007 suicide of international style icon Isabella Blow. Rumours were published that there was a rift between McQueen and Blow at the time of her death, focusing on McQueen's under-appreciation of Blow.[28] In response to these rumors, McQueen told an interviewer:[18]

It's so much bollocks. These people just don't know what they're talking about. They don't know me. They don't know my relationship with Isabella. It's complete bullshit. People can talk; you can ask her sisters ... That part of the industry, they should stay away from my life, or mine and Isabella's life. What I had with Isabella was completely dissociated from fashion, beyond fashion.

McQueen was an accomplished scuba diver and used his passion as a source of inspiration in his designs, including spring 2010's "Plato's Atlantis." Much of his diving was done around the Maldives.[29]

Death and memorial

Wikinews has related news:

McQueen's death was announced on the afternoon of 11 February 2010. He was found hanged that morning in his wardrobe[30] by his housekeeper at his home on Green Street, London W1. Paramedics were called and they pronounced him dead at the scene.[1]

McQueen died days before London Fashion Week, though he was not scheduled to show,[31] and nine days after the death of his mother, Joyce, 75, from cancer.[citation needed] David LaChapelle, a friend of the designer said that McQueen "was doing a lot of drugs and was very unhappy" at the time of his death.[32]

McQueen left a note saying "Look after my dogs, sorry, I love you, Lee."[33] The Metropolitan Police stated that the death was not suspicious, but did not confirm that the death was a suicide.[34] On 17 February 2010, Westminster Coroner's Court was told that a post-mortem examination found that McQueen's death was due to asphyxiation and hanging. The inquest was adjourned until 28 April 2010, where McQueen's death was officially recorded as suicide.[35][36] McQueen, who had been diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder took an overdose prior to hanging himself. He had taken drug overdoses in May and July 2009.[37] Prior to hanging himself with his "favourite brown belt", the inquest recorded that he had slashed his wrists with a ceremonial dagger and a meat cleaver.[38] Coroner Dr Paul Knapman reported finding "a significant level of cocaine, sleeping pills, and tranquilisers in the blood samples taken after the designer's death."[39]

On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family. Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.

— Alexander McQueen Office, Official Website, 11 February 2010[40]

On 3 February 2010, he wrote on his Twitter page that his mother had died the day before, adding: "RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx." Four days later he wrote that he had an "awful week" but said "friends have been great", adding: "now i have to some how pull myself together".[41] His mother's funeral took place on 12 February 2010.[42] McQueen is survived by his father, three sisters, and two brothers.[43]

On 16 February 2010, pop musician Lady Gaga performed an acoustic version of her pop hit Telephone and segued into Dance In The Dark at the 2010 Brit Awards. During the performance, Gaga honored McQueen, saying, "this is for Alexander McQueen."[44] She also commemorated McQueen after accepting her award for Best International Artist, Best International Female and Best International Album.

Various other musicians, who were friends and collaborators with McQueen, commentated on his death, including Kanye West, Courtney Love, and Katy Perry.[45]

McQueen's funeral took place on 25 February 2010 at St Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, West London.[46] His ashes were later scattered on the Isle of Skye.[47]

In March 2010, a visual tribute to McQueen and his "manta" design was organised featuring Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Annabelle Neilson, among others.[19]

A memorial was held for McQueen at Saint Paul's Cathedral on 20 September 2010. It was attended by Björk, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker, Naomi Campbell, Stella McCartney and Anna Wintour[48] amongst 2,500 other invited guests.[49] On 18 February 2010, Robert Polet, the president and chief executive of the Gucci Group, announced that the Alexander McQueen business would carry on without its founder and creative director.[50]

The final show

Right before Alexander McQueen's death he had an eighty percent unfinished autumn/ winter collection, 16 pieces, presented in Paris during 2010 Fashion Week. Fashion editors picked his final designs. Editors said the show was hard to watch because it showed how McQueen was obsessed with the afterlife. The clothes had a medieval and religious look. Basic colors that were repetitively used were red, gold and silvers with detailed embroidery. His models were accessorized to show his love for theatrical imagery. "Each piece is unique, as was he," McQueen's fashion house said in a statement that was released with the collection.

After company owner Gucci confirmed that the brand would continue, McQueen's long-term assistant Sarah Burton was named as the new creative director of Alexander McQueen in May 2010.[51] In September 2010, Burton presented her first womenswear collection in Paris.[52]

References

  1. ^ a b "Alexander McQueen, UK fashion designer, found dead". BBC News. 11 February 2010. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  2. ^ a b c Alexander McQueen's biography at alexandermcqueen.com
  3. ^ 'Meeting the Queen was like falling in love'
  4. ^ a b Alexander McQueen: fashion mourns the loss of its brilliant 'enfant terrible'
  5. ^ a b c d e Cartner-Morley, Jess (19 September 2005). "Boy done good". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 11 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ a b "Obituary: Fashion king Alexander McQueen". BBC News. BBC. 11 February 2010. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  7. ^ "Alexander McQueen Obituary". London: The Times. 12 February 2010. Retrieved 11 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ A life in fashion: Alexander McQueen was the hooligan of the catwalk who loved to shock – but nothing could take away from his genius
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Rawi, Maysa (11 February 2010). "A life in fashion: How Alexander McQueen became 'the most influential designer of his generation'". London: The Daily Mail. Retrieved 11 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ a b Tran, Mark (11 February 2010). "Fashion designer Alexander McQueen dies". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 12 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ a b c d e f g Vaidyanathan, Rajini (12 February 2010). "Six ways Alexander McQueen changed fashion". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 12 February 2010.
  12. ^ "Björk:about:Homogenic:About the album cover". Chicago Sun Times. 15 May 1998. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  13. ^ http://unit.bjork.com/websense/grapefly/alarmcall_prem/alarmpremier.htm
  14. ^ "Camilla Belle in Alexander McQueen, 2009", 100 Best Dresses of the Decade, InStyle Magazine, 2009. Retrieved Feb 12, 2010.
  15. ^ Leonard, Tom (10 February 2005). "Ban for low trousers gains support". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 11 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ a b "Profile: Alexander McQueen, the 'hooligan' of English fashion". London: The Times. 11 February 2010. Retrieved 11 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ http://032c.com/2004/fashion-alexander-mcqueen/ Evans, Caroline, "Fashion: Alexander McQueen," 032c issue 7 (Summer, 2004).
  18. ^ a b Bridget Foley (June 2008). "Hail McQueen". W magazine. Retrieved 21 November 2008.
  19. ^ a b "Deep Sea Devotion: Alexander McQueen's 'Manta' Designs". The Daily Telegraph. London: Telegraph Media Group. 15 March 2010. Retrieved 28 March 2010.
  20. ^ Barnett, Leisa (11 February 2010). "Alexander McQueen dies". Handbag.com. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  21. ^ "Alexander McQueen unveils his collection for Puma". RTE Fashion. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  22. ^ "Alexander McQueen Found Dead". People. Retrieved 11 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Lady Gaga dances in Alexander McQueen's 10-inch Stilettos Huffington Post, 11 November 2009
  24. ^ "Alexander McQueen Biography". Glbtq.com. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  25. ^ Vogue Magazine, August 2002
  26. ^ Naughton, Philippe (11 February 2010). "British fashion designer Alexander McQueen found dead at home". London: The Times. Retrieved 11 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ Payne, Will (14 February 2010). "The crazy world of Alexander McQueen, by his ex-husband". The Mirror. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
  28. ^ Horyn, Cathy (10 May 2007). "The Woman No Hat Could Tame". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. ^ Alexander, Hilary (6 October 2009). "Paris Fashion Week: Alexander McQueen". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 11 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  30. ^ Kates, Brian (17 February 2010). "Alexander McQueen hanged self in wardrobe, left suicide note". New York Daily News. Retrieved 18 February 2010.
  31. ^ Satter, Raphael (11 February 2010). "Alexander McQueen found dead at home". Mail Tribune. Retrieved 11 February 2010. [dead link]
  32. ^ http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/alexander-mcqueens-mate-david-lachapelle-tells-of-their-friendship/story-e6frf96o-1225941402211
  33. ^ "Alexander McQueen committed suicide after taking drugs". BBC News. 28 April 2010.
  34. ^ Katz, Gregory (11 February 2010). "Brilliant designer Alexander McQueen found dead". The Washington Post. Retrieved 11 February 2010. [dead link]
  35. ^ "Designer Alexander McQueen 'hanged himself'". BBC News. 17 February 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
  36. ^ Barnett, Leisa (28 April 2010). "Alexander McQueen's psychiatrist admits that he felt "very pressured" as the inquest into his death concludes". Handbag. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  37. ^ "Alexander McQueen committed suicide after taking drugs". BBC News. BBC. 28 April 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  38. ^ http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/2010/04/28/fashion-designer-alexander-mcqueen-hanged-himself-after-taking-cocktail-of-drugs-inquest-hears-86908-22218140/
  39. ^ http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100428-alexander-mcqueen-inquest-closed.aspx
  40. ^ "Designer Alexander McQueen Dies". BBC News. BBC. 11 February 2010. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  41. ^ "Designer Alexander McQueen Dies". BBC News. 11 February 2010. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  42. ^ Camber, Rebecca (12 February 2010). "Alexander McQueen's family makes agonizing decision to hold his beloved mother's funeral the day after his suicide". London: The Daily Mail. Retrieved 12 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  43. ^ Moore, Booth (12 February 2010). "Alexander McQueen dies at 40; iconoclastic fashion designer". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 12 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  44. ^ http://www.billboard.com/news/news/lady-gaga-honors-alexander-mcqueen-at-brit-1004068314.story
  45. ^ Micheals, Sean (12 February 2010). "Pop stars pay tribute to Alexander McQueen". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 28 July 2010.
  46. ^ "Alexander McQueen funeral: fashion world bids farewell to designer". The Daily Telegraph. London. 25 February 2010. Retrieved 6 March 2010.
  47. ^ http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23817713-mcqueens-ashes-to-be-scattered-on-isle-of-skye.do
  48. ^ http://www.metro.co.uk/lifestyle/841516-fashion-stars-pack-st-paul-s-for-alexander-mcqueen-memorial-service
  49. ^ "Memorial service at St. Paul's for Alexander McQueen". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  50. ^ Socha, Miles (18 February 2010). "McQueen Business to Continue Despite Founder's Suicide". WWD.com. Retrieved 18 February 2010.
  51. ^ Sarah Deeks (27 May 2010). "Burton For McQueen". Vogue. Retrieved 29 April 2011.
  52. ^ "Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2011 collection". Vogue. Retrieved 29 April 2011.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alexander McQueen.

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