At some point last week I decided to do a new "fashion Friday" segment on my blog. It seemed only natural as an indie designer working on my own grass roots label (caustic threads) that I would do a fashion segment on my blog. I am already reading fashion news daily, watching shows, and working on my own pieces, so I have a lot to share. My first post in the segment was going to be about some of my personal thoughts on fashion, style, and trends, along with something about New York fashion week which was kicked off by BCBG Max Azaria yesterday (2/11/10) But yesterday some unbelievable news broke! Iconic Fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his apartment at age 40. The believed cause of death is suicide, though no official statement about that has been made.
Alexander McQueen was known as "l'enfant Terrible" a french term for a child who embarrasses his parents by being very blunt towards adults. He was also known as "the Hooligan of English Fashion". These titles were earned after some controversial early collections while he was working at Givenchy (predecessor to John Galiano, another amazing designer who now designs for Dior and his own label) .
I can not say I like everything Alexander McQueen designs, and I especially did not care much for his last two collections , but I do always love seeing what he comes up with and there are occasions when something he has designed leaves me breathless.
In time I expect that he will be remembered alongside Coco Chanel, Ives St Laurent, and Christian Dior as truly a talented designer.
It may very literally be "yesterday's news" but I didn't want to go without paying homage to such an inspirational designer.
Yep when I saw this yesterday I was stunned. I'm with you I didn't always like what he designed but couldn't help but respect him for being brave and creative.
ReplyDeleteYou have been a busy blogger this week :)
Loved your article on Steampunk, it is fascinating stuff and we love steam trains and Victoriana in this house :)
Have a wonderful weekend, T.
P.S. I'm excited to see your fashion line! :)
Can I say this again, you my dear are going places :)
I saw a piece of an interview with him from 1997 on Charlie Rose last night (PBS).
ReplyDeleteI think he just thought outside the box, that would be the box of designers. He said he wanted his designs to reach real people.
Sad to think he ended his life, Suicide hurts those you leave behind. I know, my husband died that way.
I'm so glad you took the time to write about this...I was beside myself. I just think when a talented soul goes out of the world like that such a space is left. I agree I didn't love everything he created but I LOVED that he was out there creating it...I think we all needed someone like that...thanks for paying tribute and reminding others to do the same...
ReplyDeleteAnd Christie Cottage...my heart goes out to you. Thanks for sharing so honestly....it's true suicide leaves pain...it is my hope that your pain will ease. Sending warm hugs.
Thank you for posting this blog post. I too had heard of his death in the news, but had never actually seen any of his creations. I personally think they are stunning, the ones you have chosen. I too am heading towards 40, and it is always disheartening to hear of the passing of others, whatever the cause of the passing might be.
ReplyDeleteI don't follow fashion at all so I'm not sure who he is, but I like how he looks - he looks like he would be a nice guy, not like a fashion designer at all! - and the photos you posted of his creations are beautiful.
ReplyDeletejust a terrible tragedy isn't it... very sad news indeed. his work were like pieces of art! definitely a big loss to fashion...
ReplyDeleteHe was amazing. Very sad :(
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