McQueen went on superstardom, but his career and life were slowly destroyed by drug addiction and depression. It was one of the most hilarious and sad afternoons of my life. Happily, my editors agreed, and I interviewed McQueen for a story that made the cover of Newsweek International during Paris Fashion Week in March 1997. That's what I wanted to capture in my article. For me, McQueen was the most courageous soul in fashion at the time-maybe ever. In less than eight weeks, he had two more shows, his own brand's collection in London and his first Givenchy women's wear outing in Paris. (Pieces from it have since been copied by lesser designers and hailed as genius).ĭespite the savage reviews-and they were savage-McQueen picked himself up and headed straight back to work. McQueen's debut there-the Spring-Summer 1997 couture show of gold and white Grecian-inspired clothes at the École des Beaux Arts-was deemed by critics and clients as an utter failure. Bernard Arnault, chairman of the luxury group Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton-LVMH, saw this and, in the fall of 1996, hired McQueen to take over as creative head of the venerable French couture house of Givenchy. In addition to the controversial, headline-making spectacles, what set McQueen apart from his confreres was his talent: he was an artist with exceptional tailoring skills, honed as a teenage apprentice on Savile Row. He will probably get better as he gains more experience even though these two houses are so different.Naomi Campbell in McQueen's first Givenchy show, Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2007, inspired by ancient Greece and presented at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in January, 1997 This takes a real effort, but so far he is succeeding.
He has managed to continue to design in his funky, youthful modern manner at his own house of McQueen while also producting the elegant, expensive, beautiful creations at Givenchy. But he has not forgotten that he must play the Givenchy game, if he is to succeed. Alexander McQueen's collections combine an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing.Īlexander McQueen's collections for Givenchy have included golden eagles embroidered by Lesage, rose petals pressed into sheer organdie, pure gold material woven for a bolero jacket, feathers painstakingly layered like a bird's wing onto a catsuit and other unique weird styles. An openly emotional and even passionate viewpoint is realised with a profound respect and influence for the arts and crafts tradition. It is typical of McQueen to use the juxtaposition between contrasting elements fragility and strength, tradition and modernity and fluidity and severity. The LookĪlexander McQueen's collections are known for both the emotional power and raw energy of his shows as well as the romantic but determinedly contemporary nature of this clothes. With the appointment of Sarah Burton as Lee McQueen�s successor in May 2010, the brand will carry on the tradition of his visionary and avant-garde designs. His catwalk shows were real taught-provoking, energetic and moving performances. Suddenly passed away in February 2010, the founder Lee Alexander McQueen was one of the greatest fashion designers of his generation, with his sometimes provocative genius. The collections which include womenswear, menswear and accessories are manufactured and distributed worldwide by SINV Spa. January 2006 sees the birth of �McQ � Alexander McQueen�, a denim-based ready-to-wear line under a new label. In January 2004 he launched the first ready to wear menswear collection. Alexander McQueen opened important directly operated stores in New York, London and Milan. In its partnership with Alexander McQueen, the Gucci Group will provide the managerial talent and infrastructure necessary to develop the brand and extend it firmly into accessories and perfume as well as ready-to-wear.
Recent developments include the opening of flagship stores in New York, London and Milan and the launch of the first McQueen Fragrance 'Kingdom', the addition of the new Menswear and Eyewear collections. In December 2000 a new partnership saw the Gucci Group acquiring 51% of the company.
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