The Impact of Lee Alexander McQueen in the Field of Fashion - Assignment Example

Introduction One of the most colourful and dynamic industries in contemporary times is the fashion industry. There have been historical developments in terms of innovativeness and creativity in design and style according to time frame, resources used, and the demands of the times. There have been some popular designers, whose names and brands of clothes continue to entice fashion patronizers, and influence current and future trends, especially those from the elite, the celebrities, and fashion gurus. Some interesting facts published regarding the fashion industry have disclosed the following statistics: “The world clothing and textile industry (clothing, textiles, footwear and luxury goods) reached almost $2,560 trillion in 2010; Consumers in the United Kingdom have an estimated £30 billion ($46.7 billion) worth of unworn clothes lingering in their closets” [Bre121]; Alexander McQueen is counted among the all-time 100 fashion icons by Time Magazine [Tim12]. The popularity of Alexander McQueen started with his reported apprenticeship “on Savile Row — the home of British bespoke tailoring — (where) Alexander McQueen cut suits for the likes of Prince Charles and Mikhail Gorbachev” (Adams, 2012, par. 1). His talent, innovativeness, exemplary craftsmanship, and a flair that revolutionized the fashion industry during his time marked the significant legacy contributed in the world of fashion. The current discourse hereby aims to present the impact of McQueen in the field of fashion through the contributions and achievements that were distinctly identified under his name. The paper would initially present a brief overview of Lee Alexander McQueen, prior to delving into the impact of his talent in the fashion industry. The disctinctive style and innovative designs would be identified and the popular celebrities who have contracted his services would be revealed. Finally, a quick glimpse on this financial standing prior to his demise would be presented to evaluate the extent of his impact on the industry. Brief Overview of Lee Alexander McQueen Lee Alexander McQueen was considered one of the most inspiring and creative fashion designers of his time. He was born on March 17, 1969 in Lewisham, London [Wat122]. His birthplace was strategically contributory to being closely immersed in the fashion industry through the influence of great designers within his realm. In the foreword of the book written about him by Watt (2012), Daphne Guinness described McQueen as a friend who has been allegedly referred as “the fashion world’s darling, its rebel and pioneer” [Wat122]. Other adjectives that described McQueen included: designer, architect, artisan, inspired fantasist, defiant, obsessive, among others [Wat122]. Another author, described McQueen as: misogynist, genius, angel and devil, romantic, rude, foulmouthed, influential, innovative, brat, and was acknowledged to allegedly call himself “a big fat queer” [Gle12]. What was controversial in McQueen’s life was that in the midst of his success as a fashion designer, he opted to apparently end his life on February 11, 2010, at the age of 40 through suicide just after the death of his mother. His remarkable contribution to the fashion industry could have been summed by Slone (2012) who indicated that “Alexander McQueen was a lauded British fashion designer who incorporated prominent images of nature into his designs, from gazelle horned jackets to bird-of-prey ball gowns. His work was both critically acclaimed and massively popular, and his designs are works of art in themselves, worthy of further examination” [Slo12]. Sources: The Houte Hossier,2013; Voguepedia, n.d. Impact in the Field of Fashion 1. Innovative Contributions and Designs From among the designs that were attributed to McQueen, the following were noted: (a) the bumster: (b) the skull prints; (c) perfectly fit tailoring; (d) the theatrical catshows; (e) mould-breaking models; and (f) extreme silhouettes [Vai10]. The bumster, was aptly described as a “perilously low-rise, crevice-revealing jeans” (Vaidyanathan, 2010, par. 2). This type of design revolutionized wearing the traditional pants with hook on the waistline area. Concurrently, skull prints were noted to have been popularized by McQueen through being imprinted in scarves, bags, dresses, and other accessories. Likewise, as briefly noted, he used to create perfectly tailored suits for Prince Charles and Mikhail Gorbachev [Tim12]. Source: Vaidyanathan, 2010 His distinctive style was also noted to have taken models outside of their comfort zones by making them wear something which is totally unexpected, sometimes veering towards the bizarre. As emphasized, “he didn't just create fashion, he created spectacles," says the fashion designer Scott Henshall. "He had Sophie Dahl encased with butterflies, he had models sprayed with paint to enter his finale catwalk shows and he really elevated fashion to what it should be” (Vaidyanathan, 2010, par. 30). The commitment and confidence put by fashion patronizers in McQueen were just immense that he is given the complete prerogative to decide what he thinks is best, in the way that he sees fit at the moment. In addition, McQueen boldly revolutionized the fashion industry by bravely eroding traditional designs and applied no boundaries to his imagination and creations. It was emphasized by Sloan (2012) that he did not just create using fabrics; he concocted his design using nature as his inspiration. Accordingly, “nature’s dark abyss is a term that could also be used to accurately describe Alexander McQueen’s body of work. The creation of something beautiful from something natural suggests that nature is a source of beauty, inspiration and artistic food for thought. McQueen’s willingness to elevate natural objects into the artistic realm implies a veneration of the natural world on the part of the artist” (p. 22). He was also noted to have created outrageous designs in shoes, including the armadillos shoes and heelless shoes, as shown below: Source: Mull, 2012 Source: Antonieddu, 2012 Ever since he created these innovative products and designs, the fashion industry has immediately adapted and applied his creations. As reported, some famous artists and celebrities have been acknowledged to wear his creations in various social events. 2. Famous Artists who Contracted McQueen’s Designs Countless artists have been seen McQueen’s designs and creations. Among those noted in New York Post are: Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock, Anna Paquin, First Lady Michelle Obama, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cate Blanchett, among others. Source: New York Post, 2013 The fact that these stars and celebrities have considered him worthy to create their clothes manifest the impact and influence that his design and styles have made in these celebrities lives. It only evidently proves that the designs are one of a kind, sophisticated, and caters to the personalities of these people. Wearing his designs create an elite image that epitomizes the embodiment of a true celebrity and icon in the fashion industry. 3. Net Worth Due to McQueen’s own fashion label, he was reported as one of the richest fashion designers in the industry. Having had such popular clientele, McQueen was noted to have a net worth of $30 million as of 2012 [Sam13]. His official website has noted his list of awards and accolades, as follows: “British Designer of the year 1996, 1997, 2001, and 2003, International Designer of the Year by The Council of Fashion Designer's of America (CFDA) in 2003, A Most Excellent Commander of The British Empire (CBE) by her Majesty the Queen in 2003, GQ Menswear Designer of the Year in 2007” (Alexander McQueen, 2012, par. 5). As his resources and assets grew, he was able to create limitless designs through his own brand and was able to maximize his potentials to the highest levels. Conclusion Alexander McQueen earned every right to be counted among the fashion icons of contemporary times. His talent is distinct, innate, genuine, innovative, revolutionary and influential. Having designed clothes for distinguished members of the royalty, to celebrities, public officials, and models in the fashion industry made it apropos to be called not merely a designer, but more so, an architect, a craftsman, an artist. As emphasized by Sloan (2012), “as an artist, McQueen created beautiful, nature-themed garments, which exist in themselves to be appreciated” (p. 36). He was also noted to be an environmental artist for successfully communicating “messages not just about nature, but life, death, sex and power” [Slo12]. The impact of his creations, designs and his life in the world of fashion was so immense and significant in terms of the innovative products and ways that enabled him to elevate fashion in unprecedented levels. Through the identified contributions and achievements, the people who preferred to wear his labels, and the legacy that he left in the fashion industry, all prove that his life made a distinct mark in fashion. One firmly beliefs that after all the glitter and the accolades, McQueen, above all is an ambassador of universal beauty, shown through his elegant designs and artistic creations; using the resources that the world offers at the time that he temporarily touched the lives of many in the fashion industry. He could have journeyed the earth on such a short time; but his existence and achievements would be remembered long into the future. Reference List Bre121: , (Breyer, 2012), Tim12: , (Adams, 2012), Wat122: , (Watt, 2012), Wat122: , (Watt, 2012, p. 7), Gle12: , (Gleason, 2012, p. 7), Slo12: , (Sloan, 2012, p. 2), Vai10: , (Vaidyanathan, 2010), Sam13: , (Sammy, 2013), Slo12: , (Sloan, 2012, pp. 38-39), Read More