“My collections have always been autobiographical,” said Alexander McQueen, in his new book of collections “Savage Beauty.” “A lot to do with my own sexuality and coming to terms with the person I am- it was like exorcising my ghosts in the collections. They were to do with my childhood, the way I think about life and the way I was brought up to think about life,” McQueen shares.
Lee Alexander McQueen, who died in February of 2010, was a runaway visionary. In a world full of superficial fashion shows, McQueen rose above. His collections focused on the darkness in humanity. In his own words: “I’m about what goes through people’s minds, the stuff that people don’t want to admit or face up to. The shows are about what’s buried in people’s psyches.” As an extraordinary visionary, McQueen’s work sought to find the beauty and romance in the shadowy corners of our hearts.
McQueen focused on the liberation of the human spirit. He wanted his models to become more than human; moving into the realm of the supernatural, almost frightening. The heart of many of his collections was the idea of the animal-like ferocity in the human soul; the simple, driven, and unstoppable force that comes naturally to us all. His focus on themes, storylines, and iconic silhouettes forced his work beyond the realms of mere fashion or costume. His work became art, living and visceral. He translated his torment and passion into artistry, made to bring the viewer to a place of intense emotion.
“Savage Beauty” chronicles McQueen’s collections over time which were banded together into an exhibition of the same name (the inspiration for this book of collections). We are able to see his inspirations and muses. We move and grow with him as he explores the deep recesses of society and it’s constructions and beliefs, as well as the recesses inside of himself. He encourages us to explore ourselves and look at the primitive being that resides inside us all.
I would strongly encourage buying this book. It can be found at Antropolgie in the Kenwood Mall. While it is a bit pricey, I think it is worth every penny. Alexander McQueen is an immense inspiration. He grew beyond the pain and tragedy in life and faced it head on, as we all should. Rest in peace, McQueen. We miss you. Until next time, stay classy. Stay stylish. This is Josh Newman, signing off.