Alexander McQueen (British, 1969–2010) was one of fashion’s most influential, imaginative, and inspiring designers at the turn of the millennium. In landmark collections presented over a prolific 19-year career, he challenged and expanded our understanding of clothing beyond utility to a conceptual expression of culture, politics, and identity. Trained in Savile Row, he produced iconic silhouettes—the crinoline, the pannier, the corset—while subverting traditional tailoring and dressmaking practices. His astonishing and extravagant runway presentations suggested avant-garde installation and performance art. Among his recurring themes and narrative concepts were Victorian England and the Byronic anti-hero as well as the dark undercurrents of nature. Whether they showcase skulls, tartan plaids, reptile skin, butterflies, or feathers, McQueen’s extraordinary creations celebrate his deep engagement with the sublime. Our Armadillo Shoe figurine was expressly made for the exhibition Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and adapts one of McQueen’s most avant-garde designs.
Dress
VOSS, spring/summer 2001
Red and black ostrich feathers and glass medical slides painted red
Courtesy of Alexander McQueen
In Mc Queen's Words
"There's blood beneath every layer of skin" - The Observer Magazine, October 7, 2011
Andrew Bolton: This particular dress came from a collection called VOSS, which was all about beauty. And I think one of McQueen’s greatest legacies was how he would challenge normative conventions of beauty and challenge your expectations of beauty—what we mean by beauty. This particular one is made out of ostrich feathers dyed red. And the glass slides are actually microscope slides that have been painted red to give the idea of blood underneath. And there’s a wonderful quote in association with this dress, where he talks about how there’s blood beneath every layer of skin. And it’s an incredible, again, very powerful, powerful piece.
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