How ALEXANDER McQUEEN , the great brand handbag designer that changed the world
How ALEXANDER McQUEEN , the great brand handbag designer that changed the world
COMELY HANDBAG
When Alexander McQueen described the essence of British fashion as self confident and fearless, he could have been talking about his own work. Awarded a Master’s degree from Central Saint Martins in 1992, London born McQueen became a symbol of a new era in the capital’s fashion.
Building on four years of apprenticeship on Savile Row, he combined technical know how with a dark, cinematic look rich in historical references. Freelance stylish Isabella Blow, who was soon to start working at British Vogue, bought his graduate collection in its entirety. She became a crucial mentor for the young designer.
McQueen showed his first collection proper as part of London Fashion Week in 1993. Hos Autumn/Winter 1995collection, entitled Highland Rape, featured models smeared with fake blood Fashion casual handbag and backpack, ensuring his reputation as the bad bag of British fashion. He was, however, also recognized for his talent: he was the creative director of Givenchy for five years from 1996; the Gucci Group acquired a majority stake in his label in 2000; and he was awarded a CBE in 2003.
The designer was instrumental in turning the fashion show into something truly spectacular in 1998 amputee Aimee Mullins walked his runway on wooden legs, while in 2006 the show opened with a Kate Moss hologram. His show for his last collection, Plato’s Atlantis, for Spring/Summer 2010, was one of the first fashion shows to be live streamed.