"I get my ideas out of my dreams…if you're lucky enough to use something you see in a dream, it's purely original. It's not in the world – it's in your head. I think that's amazing."Alexander McQueen RIP.
Like something out of one of his dark, gothicesque shows, Lee McQueen has made today one of the darkest fashion has seen. The tragic death of one of fashions most brightest stars has left the industry in shock. I'm not really sure what to say, only that it's so very, very sad and I hope the man behind the skull motif has finally found peace. On hearing the news Karl Lagerfeld said of the British Designer, whom he didn't know personally but of course knew his designs well; "There was always some attraction to death, his designs were sometimes dehumanised." It was this "attraction to death", which Lagerfeld describes which is ultimately responsible for some of the most creative and exciting designs, British and World fashion have seen. McQueen wasn't only a designer, he was an artist and like so many before him an interest, a curiosity with the unknown, with the dark side of life, with death, often leads to some of the most remarkable pieces of art. And that 's what it did for Lee. His designs were art. Unfortunately for his family, friends, fans and the fashion world the attraction with the unknown became too strong.
When I hear the name Alexander McQueen, immediately I think cutting edge, breaking the boundaries, exciting shows and tartan. Yeah I know tartan and red tartan at that! Each season the McQueen show is the one I want to watch. It's only a few weeks away to Paris, where McQueen was due to showcase. What happens now. Should the show go on as a mark of respect, or not. Only time will tell.
And so February 11 will always be remembered as a day of tragedy in the fashion world. Alexander McQueen has been an inspiration and his work, his designs, will continue to inspire designers for many more decades. We will miss you Mr. McQueen.