Published: 2022-12-12 ǀ Updated: 2023-05-29
Alexander McQueen Biography
British designer Lee Alexander McQueen (b. March 17, 1969, in Lewisham, London; † February 11, 2010, in London) entered the fashion world as an enfant terrible for his eccentric, sometimes scandalous fashion shows. The designer's trademarks include extremely low-slung hipsters, a stylized skull and crossbones, and recurring futuristic-evolutionary and darkly morbid elements. Along with John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood, McQueen is considered one of the most important British fashion designers of his time — a visionary, revolutionary, and provocateur.
Vita
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After tailoring clothes for his sisters at a young age, McQueen trained as a men's tailor with the traditional tailors Anderson & Sheppard and Gieves & Hawkes. This was followed by jobs as a theater costume designer in London and with Italian fashion designer Romeo Gigli in Milan.
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1992
McQueen graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London with a Master of Arts degree. The British Vogue stylist Isabella Blow buys his entire graduation collection. Since that day Isabella was considered his muse and mentor.
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design -
1993
The designer founded the fashion company Alexander McQueen Trading Limited, with headquarters in Haywards Heath. In the early years he exclusively created women's collections, which, like his later works, were always inspired by his own autobiography and a fascination with the animal kingdom.
Alexander McQueen's Nihilism Collection -
1996
McQueen received the British Designer of the Year award from the British Fashion Awards for the first time. He wins the title again in 1997, 2001 and 2003.
British Designer of the Year Award -
1997
McQueen succeeds John Galliano as haute couture designer for the Givenchy fashion house.
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1999
McQueen opens his first boutique.
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2000
McQueen marries documentary filmmaker George Forsyth. His maid of honor is none other than Kate Moss. However, the separation of the couple follows just one year later.
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2001
McQueen's company has belonged to the Gucci Group of the French luxury goods group Kering (known as PPR until 2013), after McQueen signs over 51% of his shares to the group. In the process, he also loses his job at Givenchy, but remains creative director of his own brand.
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2003–2004
With the turn of the millennium, the designer expands to New York and Milan and for the first time designs a men's collection (2004) and also fragrances (2003).
Alexander McQueen's Parfum and My Queen Eau de Parfum -
2005
McQueen begins a collaboration with Puma.
McQueen Street Climb Puma Sneaker -
2006
McQueen designs a large part of the outfits for Lady Gaga. Madonna, Courtney Love and David Bowie also wear McQueen's clothes on stage.
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2010
McQueen is found dead in his apartment the day before his mother's funeral. An autopsy reveals that he consumed a cocktail of drugs and then hanged himself.
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After McQueen's death, designer Sarah Burton, McQueen's right-hand woman since 1996, continues to run the Alexander McQueen brand. Burton designed the wedding dress for Kate Middleton, helping the McQueen brand become even more famous worldwide.
- McQueen's fashion shows are always artistically choreographed, technically staged and repeatedly marked by scandals such as models covered in blood and people with prosthetic legs, exposed breasts and references to Joan of Arc, Jack the Ripper or Taxi Driver.
- Lady Gaga releases the song "Fashion of his love" about McQueen after his death.
- The retrospective of his work at MoMa New York becomes one of the most visited exhibitions of the museum ever.