Who is Alexander McQueen? Who are any of these designers and why are they important? In the first of Man of the Cloth’s latest series ‘Know Your Designer’, I’ll be working through the phone book to help you understand who a designer or brand is in summary. Think of it as your CliffsNotes for men’s fashion. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics of the designer you love or merely as a conversation starter, Know Your Designer will help.
ALEXANDER McQUEEN
Born in 1969, Lee McQueen was a British fashion designer and couturier who experienced success straight out of school. His career started in Savile Row, then on to theatrical costume design for Angels and Bermans. After getting his master’s degree from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, his work got noticed (and purchased entirely) by Isbella Blow, who convinced him of a name change. In ’96 he was appointed head designer of Givenchy while continuing with his own label on a more scandalous level. His contract ended in 2001 which was when McQueen really started to thrive creatively.
In 2004 he started his menswear label. Before committing suicide after his mother’s death in 2010 he earned the British Fashion Council’s British Designer of the Year award four times, and was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire. After his death his long-time assistant Sarah Burton took on the role of Creative Director for the brand.
THE ALEXANDER McQUEEN MENSWEAR LOOK?
