Word of the upcoming (Alexander) ‘‘McQueen’’ Film has been surging through the shelves of this month’s glossy style magazines. The dynamic tone of the documentary is not only attuned to those en vogue, as film critics alike have praised the production's soulful substance and visual artistry. Variety, Vulture, and others have reported on it.
McQueen’s designs have stood the test of time through exquisite craftsmanship and clothing underpinned with the raw truth that challenges the industry’s often airbrushed attitude. Personal pain was transformed into masterpieces on his model muse frames, and the catwalk, much like Twitter today, was used as a conversation starter for society's silenced debate.
There was also spiritual substance as demons were often juxtaposed amongst angels and McQueen’s later work channelled future spheres with the alien-esq Plato Atlantis. Inspired by Darwin’s theories of evolution, Plato Atlantis portrayed the consequence of global warming upon earth where an enlightened version of humanity glamorously survives in a future underwater world. McQueen’s collections still convey deep-rooted meaning and stand to educate the masses on empowerment, spirituality, history, diversity, technology and the natural world.
Here, I pay homage to the hotly anticipated film biography by celebrating four of McQueen's most fearless fashion statements.
Models of diversity
McQueen persistently challenged fashion industry norms and was one of the first designers to use models of an Indian origin to represent his brand.
His London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 1999 collection was opened by double amputee and previous Paralympian Aimee Mullins, who graced the catwalk with hand-carved wooden prosthetic legs. According to ICON magazine, he received much-unjustified condemnation for staging a freak show and exploiting disabled women. Helen Boyle, Fashion Stylist claimed for the BBC, however, that his intention was not to shock but to take the audience beyond their comfort zone boundaries.
This allowed them to consider that the strength of beauty comes from within.
Cutting-edge catwalk shows
The designer was renowned for transporting his catwalk crowd into another dimension and his models were known to parade the runway with futuristic hairdos, armadillo shoes, feathers, horns, and masks. The innovation didn't end there, as digital technology was fully embraced to create mind-altering backdrops, which included volcanic flames, a plexiglass snowstorm and state-of-the-art holograms.
These theatrical performances were in no way intended to compensate for a lack of design talent. McQueen's ingenious designs, perfect precision and impeccable cuts added to the pioneering productions.
Skulls
Replicas of McQueen's trademark skull-print scarves are now available in large numbers of high street shops. Celebrity style can be easily mimicked at a fraction of the cost. The designer originals sold out worldwide following McQueen's sudden death. The gothic skull can be considered symbolic of eternity and the tangible remains of passing, which is much like every stitch of McQueen’s lasting legacy. It is evident that all sections of society have united to wear this symbolic logo with pride.
Female armour
Women held a dominant role in McQueen's life and he openly honoured and expressed his admiration for his mother and female fashion friends during catwalk shows. Much like the #MeToo movement, his dishevelled female figures without question raised awareness of the mistreatment of women and were used to encourage a robust rebirth. His blazing Autumn/Winter 2009 collection utilised medieval metal techniques and chainmail armour was portrayed as a shield of protection from predators.
‘Fashion should be a form of escapism and not a form of imprisonment’ - McQueen
