Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty

   The spring 2011 Costume Institute exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, is on view May 4 through July 31. The exhibition celebrates the late designer's extraordinary contributions to fashion. From his Central Saint Martins postgraduate collection in 1992 to his last runway presentation, in February 2010 after his death, McQueen deepened our understanding of fashion beyond utility to an expression of culture, politics, and identity. Alexander McQueen proved that fashion isn't just style, but fashion is art.
   The Savage Beauty exhibit features approximately 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from McQueen's legendary career. Relocated from the Alexander McQueen Archive in London, with other pieces from the Givenchy Archive in Paris and private collections, signature designs including the bumster trouser, the kimono jacket, and the three-point "origami" frock coat are on display for all to see. McQueen's fashions often referred back to the silhouettes of the 1860s, 1880s, 1890s, and 1950s, but his own creativity gave his designs their own look and distinction among other clothing.

   The exhibit showcased themes within McQueen's work and recurring styles he used throughout the years. One display, "The Romantic Mind", examines his intricate detailing, which stylishly combined tailoring and pattern-making with draping and dressmaking. Another display, "Romantic Gothic", highlights McQueen's background, particularly his engagement with the Victorian Gothic, and themes such as life and death. "Romantic Nationalism" looks at McQueen's patriotic impulses, including his reflections on his Scottish heritage and his interests in the history of the British. To put a spotlight on the influence of culture on McQueen's work, the exhibit "Romantic Exoticism" explores the inspiration from cultures surrounding McQueen, especially Chinese and Japanese customs. McQueen was inspired by the nature surrounding him, cultures that were expanding around him and his heritage that he had much pride in.

   Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty- A book by Andrew Bolton, sits beside the exhibit. It includes an overview of McQueen's career, with an introduction by Susannah Frankel, fashion editor of The Independent, and an interview by Tim Blanks with Sarah Burton, creative director for Alexander McQueen, who worked closely with the designer for 14 years and designed Kate Middleton's wedding gown. The book also features new photography by Sølve Sundsbø, who shot live models but then edited the photos to make them appear as if they were mannequins. To understand McQueens viewpoint and opinion on some of the photos, quotes that he once said are located below several of the photos. Although written by Andrew Bolton, we get an insight into McQueen's life through his quotes and individuality.

   Overall, the MET Gala was well attended as many awaited to see the Savage Beauty exhibition. Alexander McQueen was always known for his edginess and the exhibit couldn't have been given a more fitting name. Any celebrity that has to do with fashion was there and the MET was overflowing with style. As an annual event, this year's gala was special because Alexander McQueen is no longer with us. Having been in the industry for 19 years, McQueen was an influential icon on fashion and will live on for ages to come.

RIP Alexander McQueen. You're truly iconic.

xx, ZM