Wednesday, October 12, 2011

McQueen

Check it out guys – I’m guest posting over on Save the Artist today. It’s some musings on Alexander McQueen and so, of course, it simply must be shared here as well!

“Writing a short piece about the work of Lee Alexander McQueen is a daunting task. By any measurable standard, McQueen was a true innovator and a brilliant artist.

Prior to his 2010 suicide, McQueen (who started his career at Givenchy before founding his own label and acquired his impeccable tailoring skills while apprenticing on Savile Row) produced a dazzling array of collections that engaged powerfully with themes as varied as romanticism, nationalism, exoticism, and historicism (for example, his Highland Rape collection (one of his most celebrated), referenced the Battle of Culloden, English imperialism, Scottish identity, and nationalism more broadly. McQueen’s daring and controversial designs earned him both a dedicated following and a reputation as a provocateur (he was variously termed “l’enfant terrible” and the “hooligan of English fashion”). The catalogue to the recent retrospective of his work at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art described McQueen’s work as replete with “mythic images of chivalry, brutality, and romance, ideals of heroic women, beauty in the unconventional – these ideas infused McQueen’s designs with an unparalleled emotional depth and challenged us to embrace new ideas about gender, history, and nature.” I highly doubt that any commentator could phrase it better.

As I mentioned at the start, writing a short piece about McQueen’s life and many achievements is a near-impossible task. He was a fascinating individual and one of the most influential designers of recent memory. I encourage everyone to spend some time looking up information about him, read about his life and work, and, above all, gaze upon his work. You won’t be disappointed.”

















image credits: Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

Pop over and check out Save the Artist - it's a great site!!!

24 comments:

Closet Fashionista said...

Wonderful article! YAY for McQueen! I'm off to check out the site now
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Collette Osuna said...

At work now, but Ill check out your post later this evening...love the pics!


Statements In Fashion: A Funky Little Fashion Blog

{The Perfect Palette} said...

so futuristic feeling!

xo, chrissy

JennaStevie said...

McQueen was so absolutely amazing, what a fantastic designer, such talent
xJennaD

StyleIDnet said...

Ohhh I share your admiration for him. He is an artist and a bit more. He did impressive collections. his work is just stunning.

http://styleidnet.blogspot.com/
http://styleidcloset.blogspot.com/

Kaleido Mind said...

a true artist--great piece!!

welldressedmaker said...

Lovely bit of writing, Courtney. I LURVE McQueen. He's AHMAYZING.
♥ laura

the blog of worldly delights

Ashleigh said...

There are seriously not enough words to convey how super talented he really was. RIP genius.

Alexa said...

Going to check it out. He was indeed an artist. Such a creative mind.

Anonymous said...

This is really very well written but the clothes are so amazing - every time I see McQueen pieces I feel more in love - what a beautiful, amazing and talented designer.

Blackie and Blondie said...

he is the only true artist to me :)

Unknown said...

These are absolutely amazing and breath taking. It is so sad that he died so young, he was so talented. His talent went beyond just making women looking beautiful, he was an artist who spoke through fashion.

Ellie said...

So beautifully written! Love the photos as well.

-Ellie

Bonnie said...

That red McQueen is absolutely to.die.for. I am obsessed.

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

Anonymous said...

McQueen is just fabulous. Great choice of photos!

www.chillairandperfume.blogspot.com

Clara Turbay said...

I like so much your blog. check out mine and if you like follow me.

http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com

stylenuggets said...

For an Anglophile, McQueen is a great designer to review. Will check out the site

Bad Joan said...

UH-Mazing!

GTBB,
http://badjoan.blogspot.com
http://cookingjoan.blogspot.com

Angel Garcia said...

Ah yes! I remember seeing this at the Met and brought many memories.. Lee McQueen was a true genius.. A visionary.. one of a kind who will never be replaced!

WERK! ~Angel

Fabrizia Spinelli said...

Love this post and the last one photo, it's amazing! Take a look at my blog, and if you like it follow me, I’ll be waiting for you!

Cosa mi metto???

Penny Dreadful Vintage said...

Just amazing xx

Elle Sees said...

Do I ever wish I had gone to that exhibit in NYC! If only...

Emma said...

These are amazing pics. I Love the dark elements.

Hotesses Lyon said...

That 3rd dress is gorgeous... . I love all dresses that have tons of pleating! Great picks.