Style Icons: Alexander McQueen

British-born designer Alexander McQueen is a name known universally. His fashion is not only influential but striking and it was a devastating shock when he died in 2010. McQueen a master tailor along with his ability to juxtapose strength & fragility in his collections made him a force to be reckoned with!



Highland Rape Collection

 In 1996 the designer worked as cheif designer at Givenchy till 2001, with his own label 'Alexander McQueen'- which still stands strong today. The relationship with founder Hubert De Givenchy was strained due to McQueen dismissing the founder of the label as 'irrelevant'. However, the designers line was later taken over by Gucci which allowed greater creative license. McQueen's runway shows where deemed controversial due to the shock factors, an example was the 1996 'Highland Rape' show where models appeared in torn clothes.

McQueen's boutiques opened around the world, including New York, London and Milan and many A-listers wore his designers including Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and most recently Lady Gaga.

Key achievements of the designer include being the youngest to have the title of the youngest British designer of the year- which he won 4 times. In addition Alexanader McQueen also obtained the title of  International designer of the year in 2003. 

Following the death of McQueen, Gucci (the company owner) stated the line would continue as McQueen's long-term assistant Sara Burton took up the role of creative director. McQueen is and forever will be remembered for his great achievements in the fashion industry.