McQueen Smashes The MET With Savage Beauty (PHOTOS)

“I want to be honest about the world that we live in, and sometimes my political persuasions come through in my work. Fashion can be really racist, looking at the clothes of other cultures as costumes. . . . That’s mundane and it’s old hat. Let’s break down some barriers.” – Alexander McQueen

The Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition has concluded its record-breaking run at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 661,509 persons lucky enough get through the doors between May 4th and August 7th contributed to the museum’s eighth most popular show in its 141 years of existence. Get this – the MET even sent out a letter informing members that their standard “cut the line” member privilege would not apply for the McQueen show. Well played, MET; keep it gangsta’, keep it classy.

So, why all the hype?

A bit about the late Alexander McQueen. The British designer started out tailoring on London’s Savile Row, then went on to spearhead Givenchy before launching his own line of couture five years later. His career spanned nearly two decades, and his tragic passing had a profound effect on the fashion world. Proving that style transcends time and geographical boundaries, the most noteworthy fashionistas in popular culture have rocked McQueen’s avant- garde fashions in recent years including First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Bjork, Naomi Campbell, Salma Hayek, Sarah Jessica Parker, and naturally, Lady Gaga. Who could forget Ga’s head to heel McQueen clad command in the “Bad Romance” video: “walk, walk, fashion baby, work it, move that bitch crazy”…YES, sister! Work it out in those Armadillos, you work that out! The sentiment of the track matched the clothes on her back – horror, design, drama, leather studded ness, the “everything” that was Alexander McQueen.

But the theme of romanticism was also front and center in his fashions via the incorporation of natural elements and raw materials. McQueen’s modern take on design was rooted in tradition, with many of his collections reflecting his Scottish heritage. He was inspired by the Victorian Goths of the nineteenth century - a fusion of horror and romance. Alexander also had an affinity for ancient African tribes and their rituals of dress, and according to his personal website, he returned to the theme of primitivism throughout his career. If only for a limited engagement we took it in, with all of its distortion and beautiful intensity.

Photos

McQueen Smashes The MET With Savage Beauty (PHOTOS)