Thee artistic, exuberant, barrier-breaking artist that is Alexander McQueen's legacy has been immortalised.....however only for a few months!!! *Sobs into my pillow*Literally known as one the best minds ever to come from Britain has recently had a whole exhibition created to show off his masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute in New York City, named "Savage Beauty." The almost shrine-like place will show approximately 100 garments covering his 19 year reign as Britain's top designer. The exhibition even starts off with his creation from his postgraduate year at Central Saint Martins 1992 and like a journey goes all the way up to his runway pieces, shown in Paris less than a month after his suicide in 2010.
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,” is a line taken from Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Nights Dream" and also a tattoo on the famous designer's right arm. Definitely a tattoo best suited for McQueen because just like his creations emits a sense of romanticism and sends you into deep thought.
After i saw just ONE of his creations in my shop window at work, i was ready to hand in my holiday request form and jump on the 1st plain to New York, ASNAP (yes asnap!). The exhibition is divided into many galleries, all just as amazing as each other.
"The Romantic Mind"-The 1st gallery is made out of concrete and reflects the rawness feel of the garments in this gallery. This room is inspired by his first atelier in Hoxton Square and where he established his fashion house.
"Romantic Gothic and Cabinet of Curiosities"-Shows a twist and darker side to Victorianism. It is inspired by the cult of death and all things, mysterious, dark such as Vampires, antiheroes, byronic heroes and highwaymen.
"Romantic Nationalism"-This gallery, shows his love for all things British and his strong pride he has for his scottish heritage.......It's showdown for the Scotts and the Brits.
"Romantic Exoticism"-The creations in this room take inspiration from other cultures and countries such as Japan and China. His love for embroidery and the fact that both of those countries excelled in this area (along with India) was the reason why they became a source for inspiration and also muse-like during the creation of this season.
"Romantic Primitivism"-The gallery is suppose to convey the image of a sunken ship. The collection featured in this room is called "Irere" and tells a story about a shipwreck at sea. There's even a video suspended above the gallery which is used a backdrop for McQueen's collection.
"Romantic Naturalism"-A portion of this gallery is actually a drawing that has been blown up and used as the gallery's wallpaper. This room also shows some of his most famous and innovative creations such as the well known "Armadillo Shoes" worn by many celebrities such as Lady GaGa.
Looking at pictures of the exhibition still leaves me speechless and utterly sad to know that Britain's best designer (in my eyes) is gone, but of course never forgotten. Right now I wish I either had infinite funds or, lived in the 'Big Apple' just so i could see all the rooms, and all the garments for myself!....Well at least i'll always have the beautiful designs shown in the Harvey Nichols shop windows to stare at whenever I enter or exit the building :-)
Well this is it!
