Savage Beauty: the Met honors Alexander McQueen

Kate Middleton’s legendary dress. However, less than one week after the debut of her creation, is the launch of Alexander McQueen’sexhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Savage Beauty.Organized by the Costume Institute, this three-month exhibition (May 4 – July 31) will honor McQueen’s life and unique designs. The exhibit will showcase over 200 pieces of clothing and accessories from his nineteen-year career. Featured pieces include the “bumster” trouser, the three-point “origami” frock coat and the jellyfish ensemble.Alexander McQueen was a talented and creative designer whose life tragically ended in February 2010. Both his Scottish heritage and English upbringing were reflected in his many of his creations. Through his experiences on Savile Row in London and with Givenchy in Paris, McQueen was able to combine and perfect the “precision and traditions of tailoring and pattern making with the spontaneity and improvisations of draping and dressmaking.” Many of the showcased collection in the exhibit were influenced by historical periods and a variety of cultures. McQueen was able to master fusion to create truly unique and beautiful pieces of art. The exhibit perfectly embodies this ability with a quote from the designer himself, “I’m here to demolish the rules but keep the tradition.” Although his life and career were cut short, his spirit lives on through his fashion house and this exhibition.For information and details about the exhibit visit: http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/about/