Alexander McQueen

The Label : With his continually provocative shows and outrageous designs, Alexander McQueen has solidified his reputation as the bad boy of fashion.

The Look : The designer’s potent mix of controversy, creativity and technical mastery has earned him three British Designer of the Year awards and a faithful celebrity following (fans include David Bowie and Prodigy’s Keith Flint).

Alexander McQueen’s collections are known for both the emotional power and raw energy of his shows as well as the romantic but determinedly contemporary nature of the clothes.

The Designer : Born to a taxi driver in London’s East End, the self-described “pink sheep of the family” became an apprentice for Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard at 16.

After working for Romeo Gigli in Milan, McQueen returned to study at St. Martin’s College in London. His exquisite tailoring and inventive designs caught the attention of fashion legend Isabella Blow who bought his entire student collection and became his patron.

McQueen soon launched his own label and made instant headlines with a racy, theatrical collection entitled Highland Rape that included his infamous low-cut “bumster” pants. In 1996 he was named the role of chief designer at Givenchy. Feeling creatively stifled by the couture house, whose founder he dismissed as “irrelevant”, McQueen left Givenchy in 2000 and has since joined the Gucci group.

More information : www.alexandermcqueen.com