McQueen Evolution

In addition to today being St. Patrick’s Day, it is also the birthday of a famous designer who’s early death broke the heart of the fashion community. I’m talking of course about Alexander McQueen. Born in the bustling metropolis of London in 1969, Lee Alexander McQueen started early training for his fashion career after leaving Rokesby School in 1984 and serving as an apprentice for Savile Row tailors and theatrical costumiers. This early education came to fundamentally shape his designs later on in life.

McQueen is credited with starting the trend in low rise jeans with his line of “bumsters” and his patrons included Prince Charles, David Bowie, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rihanna. He worked as head designer for Givenchy from 1996 to 2001 and was one of the youngest designers to win the title of “British Designer of the year,” which he a total of four times. His boutiques filled with highly tailored and unique pieces are located in London, New York, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas.

His controversial designs put him on the edge of the fashion world as he rebelled against conventional styles. McQueen’s extraordinary collections were known to be highly tailored and often costume-like with their juxtaposition of strength and fragility.

On February 11, 2010 Lee McQueen took his own life after the heartbreaking loss of his mother days earlier. It is noted that he bequeathed $82,000 to his dogs for their future care. In tribute, Alexandra Shulman, editor of Vogue stated,

Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. At one level, he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't.

His company Alexander McQueen continued to carry on after the tragedy.

Alexander McQueen by historyandhighheels

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quote via Daily Mail