Alexander McQueen
Biography of Alexander McQueen
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Lee Alexander McQueen
Common Aliases: Alexander McQueen, "The Hooligan of English Fashion"
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: March 17, 1969
Death Date: February 11, 2010
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British
Profession(s): Fashion Designer, Couturier
Early Life and Background
Alexander McQueen was born Lee Alexander McQueen in Lewisham, London, to a working-class family. His father was a taxi driver, and his mother was a social science teacher. From a young age, McQueen exhibited a keen interest in fashion, often designing dresses for his three sisters. This early exposure to the world of fashion ignited a passion that would define his career.
McQueen left school at the age of 16 and embarked on an apprenticeship with Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, followed by Gieves & Hawkes. These experiences honed his skills in tailoring and craftsmanship, which would later become hallmarks of his design aesthetic. He furthered his education at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, where he earned a master's degree in fashion design. His graduation collection was famously bought in its entirety by influential fashion stylist Isabella Blow, who became a pivotal figure in his career.
Major Accomplishments
Alexander McQueen's career was marked by a series of groundbreaking accomplishments that redefined the fashion industry. In 1996, he was appointed as the head designer at Givenchy, a position he held until 2001. During his tenure, McQueen infused the brand with his unique vision, blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde innovation.
In 2000, McQueen sold a majority stake in his own label to the Gucci Group, which provided him with the resources to expand his brand globally. This partnership allowed him to open flagship stores in major cities such as New York, London, and Milan, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the fashion world.
McQueen's work was recognized with numerous awards, including the British Designer of the Year award, which he won four times between 1996 and 2003. His contributions to fashion were further acknowledged when he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2003.
Notable Works or Actions
Alexander McQueen was renowned for his theatrical runway shows, which were as much about storytelling as they were about fashion. His collections often explored themes of nature, history, and the macabre, challenging conventional notions of beauty and fashion. Notable collections include "Highland Rape" (1995), which addressed themes of Scottish history and identity, and "Plato's Atlantis" (2010), which was inspired by the concept of evolution and the future of humanity.
McQueen's designs were characterized by their meticulous attention to detail, innovative use of materials, and dramatic silhouettes. He was a master of tailoring, often incorporating elements of traditional British craftsmanship into his work. His ability to blend the old with the new, the beautiful with the grotesque, set him apart as a visionary designer.
Impact and Legacy
Alexander McQueen's impact on the fashion industry is immeasurable. He pushed the boundaries of what fashion could be, transforming it into a form of art and self-expression. His work challenged societal norms and provoked thought, making fashion a medium for storytelling and commentary.
McQueen's legacy continues to influence designers and artists around the world. The Alexander McQueen brand remains a powerhouse in the fashion industry, known for its innovative designs and commitment to craftsmanship. The brand's continued success is a testament to McQueen's enduring influence and vision.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Alexander McQueen is widely quoted and remembered for his fearless approach to fashion and his ability to articulate complex ideas through his work. His quotes often reflect his passion for pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. McQueen's insights into the nature of beauty, creativity, and the human condition resonate with audiences beyond the fashion world.
His untimely death in 2010 was a profound loss to the industry, but his legacy lives on through his work and the continued influence of his ideas. McQueen's ability to merge art and fashion, along with his commitment to authenticity and innovation, ensures that he remains a source of inspiration and admiration for generations to come.
Quotes by Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen's insights on:
There is something sinister, something quite biographical about what I do – but that part is for me. It’s my personal business. I think there is a lot of romance, melancholy. There’s a sadness to it, but there’s romance in sadness. I suppose I am a very melancholy person.
For a long time I was looking for my perfect equilibrium, my mojo. And now I think I’m getting there: I’ve found my customer, my silhouette, my cut.
Some couture collections have everything including the kitchen sink! Everything gets thrown on to make it look expensive. I find it grotesque when clothes hit you in the face and there’s no room for fault. But I don’t expect to turn things around all by myself. I’m not a saint.
Rap music’s been around for too long now to be inspirational. The words are, but the music isn’t.
When I’m dead and gone, people will know that the twenty-first century was started by Alexander McQueen.
My relationships with producers or photographers – these are relationships that took years.
I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late.
The explosion of museum exhibitions is only a mirror image of what has happened to fashion itself this millennium. With the force of technology, instant images and global participation, fashion has developed from being a passion for a few to a fascination – and an entertainment – for everybody.