"A Tale of Silk and Feathers . . . "

Greetings,  

Last week's visit to New York holds many great memories . . . but, easily one of the most profound was an afternoon visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art - to experience the "Savage Beauty" exhibit.  And I use the word 'experience' instead of simply 'viewing' or 'seeing.'  True art should move you.  Should transform you.  Should alter the vantage point from which you see life.

And seeing the retrospective of visionary Scottish fashion designer Alexander McQueen did that exact thing to me.

Alexander McQueen - (1969 - 2010)

“Alexander McQueen’s iconic designs constitute the work of an artist whose medium of expression was fashion,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “This landmark exhibition continues the Museum’s tradition of celebrating designers who changed the course of history and culture by creating new possibilities.”

                                                                        - from the Alexander McQueen Website

The large installation consists of almost a dozen smaller galleries - with various examples of McQueen's work gathered by theme and inspiration more than simply organized by season or collection.  It very clearly highlights many repeating themes that ran throughout his career.  

Following are a several images from the exhibit - as well as some of my all-time
personal favourites from McQueen's runway shows . . .

"Widows of Culloden" Collection, Fall 2006

"Oyster" Dress, Spring 2003

"The Widows of Culloden" Collection, Fall 2006

Savage Beauty Exhibit, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Savage Beauty Exhibit, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fall 2006

Spring 2007

Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker, at the
Metropolitan Museum  Costume Institute's Gala in 2006.

"I will always remember him arriving and walking up the steps to the Metropolitan Museum with Sarah Jessica Parker and the two of them were both these two visions in matching tulle and tartan and he was just so excited and thrilled to be there."

                                                -Anna Wintour, Vogue Magazine 

The following video is an amazing tour through the exhibit.  

Cheers,
Scot