Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the V&A

Blog, Fashion, Inspiration

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

 

 

Hello lovely readers, “fashion is a big bubble and sometimes I feel like popping it.” Those are the words from remarkable designer Alexander McQueen and gives you a real taste of what awaits you at another extraordinary exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

Savage Beauty really is something else, from McQueen’s 1992 MA graduate collection through to the unfinished A/W 2010 collection, you’ll be treated to a parade of designs that are presented with as much drama as any of his catwalk shows.

 

 

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the V&A

 

 

The exhibition is split into a number of sections, giving a real structure to the show. I loved ‘Romantic Nationalism’ that highlights how McQueen often used his family history; particularly his Scottish ancestry, which he admitted, meant ‘everything’ to him. The immaculately tailored tartan dresses, the tweeds and furs combined with antique, aged lace from a 2006/07 collection would still look great today given our adoration of all things country but when combined with a bird’s nest headdress adorned with Swarovski gems, you’re faced with McQueen’s bold, almost unnerving use of natural elements in his designs.

 

 

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the V&A

 

 

This compelling and fascinating mix continues – a tulle and lace dress that would look stunning on a bride is finished with a veil held up by antlers, another dress is covered with razor clams and the famous Sarabande from McQueen’s S/S 2007 collection used real flowers that withered and died as they fell onto the catwalk. That said, there are other dresses that you could wear right now to an event or special occasion and look fantastic. As wild as some of the designs are, there’s a commercial, wearable vibe running throughout the show.

 

 

 

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the V&A

 

 

However, this exhibition has an edge as indeed all of McQueen’s work had – he didn’t design to appeal to everyone and he was not afraid of using erotic, fetishistic and sadomasochistic elements in his designs. “I find beauty in the grotesque,” he once said. “I have to force people to look at things.” There aren’t many designers who would present their collection, dubbed ‘the Asylum show’, as the set was a huge mirrored box. This isn’t pretty fashion. It’s assertive and brave in every sense of the word.

 

 

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty runs until 2nd August at the V&A in London and an additional 12,000 tickets have just been released for around-the-clock opening from Friday 24th –Sunday 26th July and Friday 31st July until the final closure on Sunday 2nd August at 11pm. Booking is absolutely essential for this exhibition and you can secure your ticket online.

 

Credits:

All images copyright of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Other Posts

you might like

Second Hand September – 4 Reasons to get involved

Hello lovelies, Have you been second hand shopping yet? September is second hand shopping month and Oxfam has put out a campaign - dare to rewear!! Why? Well like so many people they believe in protecting our planet and helping people beat poverty around the world. By...

4 Tips on Choosing a Maxi Dress | Summer Edition

Hello my lovelies, The maxi dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can wear in your wardrobe. FACT!! So if you are one of those people who say  'I have nothing in my wardrobe' whilst starring at a full or often overflowing one? You need to dig out your...