Alexander McQueen was one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry during his lifetime, and his influence continues to this day. The British designer revolutionized the way we think about fashion, introducing innovative designs that pushed boundaries and challenged conventions. From controversial runway shows to must-have Alexander McQueen pieces at HGBagsOnline, he created a brand that was synonymous with luxury and glamour. But how did he do it? We take a look at the rise of Alexander McQueen and how he built his fashion empire.
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Alexander McQueen was born on March 17th, 1969 in Lewisham, London. His mother was a taxi driver and his father worked as a cabbie too; both were keen tailors who had taught their son about fabric from an early age. After leaving school at 16, Alexander enrolled in Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design where he graduated from its MA Fashion course with honors in 1992. This marked the start of his career in fashion designing – notably working alongside renowned fashion designer Isabella Blow – which catapulted him into stardom within no time at all.
A Revolutionary Approach to Fashion
It is often said that Alexander McQueen’s success can be attributed to his revolutionary approach to design. He sought to challenge conventions by creating pieces that were bold, daring, and often shocking – like sending models down the runway wearing gas masks or dress forms for instance! His use of fabrics like lace and mesh added texture, while strategically placed embellishments further enhanced the impact of his garments. He also wasn’t afraid to experiment with different silhouettes or combine disparate elements such as evening wear with sportswear. All these factors combined made for truly unique collections that kept audiences enthralled season after season.
The Famous “Armadillo” Shoe
An example of Alexander’s experimental approach is arguably one of his most famous designs – the ‘Armadillo shoe, which debuted at the Spring/Summer 2010 catwalk show! The shoe featured 10cm high armadillo-shaped heels, complete with curled toes and metal spikes protruding through the leather sole – making it instantly recognizable, but also highly controversial! They quickly became popular with celebrities, but also caused a stir among critics who thought they were dangerous for women to wear (despite being designed specifically for walking).
Celebrity & brand collaborations
As well as creating incredible collections every season, Alexander has collaborated with many brands throughout his career, including iconic names such as Nike and Puma, whose pieces are still favorites today! He has also worked closely with many celebrities over the years; from Madonna, who wore an iconic mesh dress on stage during her 1993 tour, to Lady Gaga, who also wore several bespoke creations! Such collaborations have not only been instrumental in raising McQueen’s profile but have also helped to build its reputation as one of the most luxurious labels around!
Creating a legacy
Sadly, Alexander died by suicide in February 2010, having lost both of his parents within weeks of each other, but despite this tragedy, he left behind an incredible legacy that lives on today through numerous exhibitions dedicated solely to him, or even posthumous collections released under his name with some remarkable designs! Indeed, it seems fitting that such an inspirational figure should go down in history having achieved so much, albeit sadly taken from us long before we all expected.
Must-have pieces on HgBagsOnline today
Today you can find countless must-have pieces from the Alexander McQueen archives exclusively available online at HgBagsOnline. Whether you’re looking for something eye-catching like the famous Armadillo shoes or timeless classics like tailored blazers, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice! So if you’re looking for something special, check out what’s available now you won’t regret it 😉
