The tradition of exclusive access to fashion shows has been increasingly challenged by new technologies but now leading British designer Alexander McQueen has announced that everyone will be invited to his next show on October 6th 2009.
The designer, real name Lee, who won the British Designer of the Year Award four times and was awarded a CBE in 2003, made the announcement on Twitter where he has over 4,000 followers. The message states: "wanted to let you know that my next show on Oct 6th is going to be streamed on my website for you all to see - Lee McQueen". This was followed by another message announcing that the project would be in collaboration with Showstudio.com, the innovative fashion and art community established by photographer Nick Knight.
Alexander McQueen is one of the most influential designers the UK has ever produced. His legendary rise to prominence began with a tailoring apprenticeship in Savile Row, first with Anderson and Sheppard (where he is reported to have once sewn hidden swear words into a suit for Prince Charles!) and then with Gieves and Hawkes, after which he went on to master patten-cutting at theatrical costume company Angels and Berman. He then gained invaluable experience in Milan working for Romeo Gigli before completing a course at St Martins. One of his most ardent fans was the late Isabella Blow, who bought his graduate collection in its entirety. Gucci bought a majority stake in his company in 2000 and since then there has been steady growth with the addition of menswear, fragrances, eyewear and accessory lines. Last week three new McQueen shops opened in Japan.
An Alexander McQueen show is always a dramatic experience which often explores alternative ideas of beauty - his shows have included models encased in glass tanks, highland rape and pyrotechnics. His women's autumn/winter ready-to-wear collection is entitled 'The Horn of Plenty - Everything But The Kitchen Sink' and the show featured a centre-piece of black debris piled high (much of which was sourced from props from previous shows) and stone-faced models in ultra high heels with hugely exaggerated lips. The designer, who has been dubbed the 'enfant terrible' of fashion, made a particular statement with the hats - lampshades, hub caps and umbrellas all feature in the collection, which is partly inspired by corrupting the traditions of couture whilst also celebrating them. Contradiction and juxtaposition are core concepts for McQueen.
You can find out the latest information by following McQueen on
Twitter. http://twitter.com/McQueenWorld
Marian Buckley
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