McQueen: the Runway Maverick

His wild imagination and thrill-inducing shows left the fashion world on tenterhooks as to what the rebellious designer would do next. From even before he founded his own fashion house, McQueen’s flair for dramatic pieces were shown through his work whilst once working for the powerful fashion house of Givenchy and regularly dressing the world of celebrity such as David Bowie and Bjork.

However his runway shows, were where McQueen’s fashion could truly be experienced. Where the inanimate clothing pieces became animate and in many ways alive. He shocked and surprised with controversy and artistry that had rarely been evoked to that level in the fashion world.

His runway show of Spring/Summer 1999 where Shalom Harlow was famously spun on a rotating platform while two automated robotic paint machines sprayed the pure white dress with black and yellow paint. The show’s theme was one of the future. Where metallic and edged garments were joined with feminine and intricate designs. McQueen wanted the optics of his shows to know no boundaries as the creative was ready to break the constraints of what regularity and tradition had in his mind, plagued the fashion industry.

The theatrics of McQueen’s shows played well into his brand of rebelliousness and excitement. His show of Spring 2004, where he showcased his “Deliverance” collection depicted his fashion interpretation of America’s Great Depression. The historical contrast of the roaring 20’s to absolute poverty and decimation of societal sprit was shown through his use of beautiful ball gowns, sequined dresses, all feathered and frayed with unfinished edges. His presentation of the pieces had the models dance out onto the runway and continue to do so until they had presented the pieces.

A famous quote from McQueen noted that he believed “fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a form of imprisonment”. He thrilled audiences and consumers with his free spirited and creative thinking. Although along the way terrified and brought concern and critique from fashion heavy weights and models alike, he revolutionised and transformed the way in which fashion should be approached. The strength of his brand still lives on today , thus making him a true fashion icon.