REMEMBERING ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
Select Ishtar
Lee Alexander McQueen, Isabella Blow, Phillip Treacy
Photos by McQueen Vault
The freedom of being, history itself, and the freedom in the flight of birds. Lee Alexander McQueen, a name that resonates powerfully in the fashion world, left us years of creativity embodied in innovative techniques, exquisite textiles, and unforgettable stage productions. It's no wonder that, for experts and enthusiasts alike, his image burns with inspiration and sighs. Today, on the fifteenth anniversary of the fashion star's death, we present a tribute in words.
McQueen's controversy and luck always accompanied him. But neither would have been fruitful without his exceptional vision. After dropping out of school to work in a tailor shop, he studied at Central Saint Martins, one of the most prestigious schools in the world in the field of fashion. It was at the time of his graduation that his greatest muse believed in his talent: Isabella Blow.
Isabella Blow, then editor of Vogue UK, used to attend the graduation catwalks of future fashion designers, hoping to find a talent that would endure in history. It is there that the "Jack the Ripper" collection captivated her vision, acquiring it instantly. In addition to her unconditional support of McQueen, the buyer introduced him to the genius of hats, Phillip Treacy. This created an unstoppable duo that put the cherry on top of each ensemble.
Givenchy was the riskiest step of his career. On the one hand, he imprinted his mark on the maison, while dancing to the beat of elegance. And, on the other hand, the accumulated fatigue that the tasks and collections of a creative director entail took a toll on his personal life. After his departure, he decided to focus on the identity of his own brand, emphasizing risk and performance.
Robots spraying paint on Shalom Harlow in 1999, his love of birds in "The Widows of Culloden," or the creation of an underwater tribe in "Plato's Atlantis," McQueen always reminded us of the union of humanity with its natural roots. He explored silhouettes in footwear and unusual techniques that only daring artists could use.
Sometimes I wonder, what would become of the fashion world if Alexander were still with us? The reality is that he remains alive within the collections of his colleagues, his legacy has been transformed into inspiration and into images that will live on in the memory of fashion history.
We are never ready for sudden departures, but we can always continue living honoring them so that, in that way, they never die.