I have always classed McQueen as my favourite designer because of his futuristic and conceptual presentation of femininity. I have never focused too heavily on the actual beauty looks he used, but thought it appropriate to do so as I am now exploring this theme.
An extract from my collab unit article is relevant: Alexander McQueen was often credited as a pioneer in the conceptual fashion show movement, thoroughly concerned with audience reaction and innovative ways of communicating (Evans, 2003). Although he was heavily influenced by the natural world, a point of contrast was his continued exploration of futurism. McQueen speculated on how technological advancement would impact humanity and consistently juxtaposed these considerations with classic references ‘styling both fears and hopes on the same body’ (R.Arnold, 2001).Certainly, a digital runway experience poses interesting questions surrounding how clothing will be presented in the 2020’s, with the developing discourse between fashion and contemporary culture, the fashion show as we know it rapidly evolving.
From smudged lips to braided hair sculptures, Alexander McQueen has redefined the very concept of hair and beauty, opening it up to a plethora of possibilities.
Gothic Nightmares
A gothic nightmare come to life, McQueen’s look for autumn/winter 09 was like a magical assault on all five senses. The lips were smudged beyond all recognition; blood red or deep purple, glossy and assertive, and the complexion was as white as snow. This was McQueen at his dramatic best.
Braids gone wild
Like exquisite sculptures, Alexander McQueen’s braids spring/summer 10 were one of our all time fave looks. An intricate and incredible reminder of what fashion is all about.
Bandaged beauties
Ushering in a new kind of poetic beauty, with their hospital headbands, rouged cheeks, and almond-shaped eyes, McQueen’s demented girls who glided down the catwalk for spring/summer 01 were a cross between Swan Lake and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
Feathered mohawks
As hard as a punk but as soft as a feather, McQueen’s feathered Mohawk headdresses for autumn/winter 10, was one of his most triumphant creations to date – made ever the more poignant by the fact that it was the last collection we’d see by the hands of Lee McQueen.