If there was one thing I just had to do when I went to New York, it was to go see the Savage Beauty Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The lines to get the exhibit were long and the minimum wait was 30mins, but it was all worth it. Andrew Bolton the curator, did a fabulous job of showcasing Lee’s designs through the theme of romanticism. Each of the 6 sections told a story by taking into consideration McQueen’s inspiration, garments and even runway conception. I preferred this approach rather than a chronological view of his career, which wouldn’t have left such a striking impact. Each section focused on a different view of romance, some rooms were chilly, some were pin drop silent, all these elements brought out the very nature of McQueen’s designs.
It’s one thing to be a huge fan and see the collection online, up close is where the real genius of his design can be seen. From out of the box materials to extreme silhouettes, I felt like a little kid in a candy store, I had to restrain myself from touching some of the clothes to see how they were made. (Also, I did manage to get into a fair amount of trouble taking these pictures sneakily, hope you appreciate it!) Although I don’t have have a favourite section, I did have a wow moment when I saw the hologram of Kate Moss in layers of Tulle. It was the exact replication of what was seen in his Fall 2006 collection. It was spectacular in it’s miniature form, can’t imagine what it was like on the actual runway.
Another highlight for me were the quotes that dotted all the collections. McQueen’s words resonated through his designs and added that element of coming from beyond the grave. There was an eerie moment when the sounds of animals mating mixed with Philip Treacy’s hats and McQueen’s Runway videos that sent chills up my spine, a reaction I’m sure McQueen would have loved. I can’t help but feel a little angered and saddened by his death, part of me wants to see the next chapter of his design life which now has tragically been put to an end. It goes without saying that if you love everything about fashion and appreciate art, you have to make your way to the exhibit at the MET; it is a poignant statement that gives light to Alexander McQueen’s work, life and vision
By Sue Castellino for MissMalini