Alexander McQueen Notes

Lee Alexander McQueen (March 16th, 1969 - February 11th, 2010) was an English fashion designer well-known for his unusual designs. London-born, McQueen was the youngest of six children and began making dresses for his sisters, establishing, at a young age, his intention to become a fashion designer. He left Rokeby School at the age of 16 to serve as an apprentice with Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, followed by Gieves & Hawkes, then theatrical costume designers Angels & Bermans. While working on Savile Row, Mikhail Gorbachev and Prince Charles were among his clients. At the age of 20, he traveled to Milan, Italy to work for Romeo Gigli. Upon his return in 1994, McQueen applied to London's most prestigious fashion school, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, to work as a pattern cutter tutor, but after seeing his portfolio, he was persuaded by the Head of the Masters to enroll as a student. He received his masters degree in fashion design and his entire graduation collection was purchased by fashion stylist Isabella Blow, which subsequently launched his career.

McQueen's early work and runway collections earned his reputation for controversy and shock tactics. He was well-known for his lavish, unconventional themed shows (recreation of a shipwreck in '03, human chess game in '06, etc.). McQueen brought extravagance and drama to the catwalk, using new technology and innovation to shock and surprise audiences and keep them on their toes. In 1996, the president of LVMH, Bernard Arnault, appointed Alexander McQueen head designer, succeeding John Galliano at Givenchy. He stayed at Givenchy for five years, until the contract that was “constraining his creativity” ended. McQueen then founded the Alexander McQueen and McQ labels.

McQueen was one of the youngest designers to earn the title British Designer of the Year, which he won four times between 1996 and 2003. He was awarded CBE, named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards, and partnered up with the Gucci Group in 2000 to serve as Creative Director. He planned to launch his perfumes Kingdom and My Queen, open stores in London, Milan, and New York, and, in 2005, collaborated with Puma to create a line of shoes. By 2007, McQueen had boutiques in London, New York, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas, celebrity patrons such as Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.