Goodbye McQueen!

The cockney fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, is probably one of young talented fashion designers with bold and groundbreaking fashion sense. His death on Thursday (2/11) was a shocking and terrible news to hear of. The unique and flamboyant designer who had won the British Designer of the Year for four times was reported committed suicide at the age of 40 in his home in central London. "This is a sad day to all who loved him around the world.” Naomi Campbell said to her publicist.
If we look back to his distinguished track record, Alexander McQueen was an archetype known for his brilliant ideas. He was rather a rebel than a fashion designer, but his sophisticated and sharp tailoring clothes cannot hide the pure and original talent he had. No wonder if The Queen Elizabeth II honored him as a commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2003. His collaboration with Puma called Raw Power along with Mihara Yasuhiro was a breaking through that combined the concept of culture and ideas of high-end fashion with the spirit of street culture through the iconic products especially footwear.
In 2006, he exhibited a tribute to his long-time partner, Kate Moss, where he built a spectacular setting and concept of fashion show. His 2008 spring/summer collection was just the same, which he dedicated to commemorate his beloved friend, the fashion icon Isabella Blow, who also committed suicide in 2007. Blow was diagnosed having cancer and suffer from depression.
The death of Isabella Blow was somehow inspired McQueen so much until he held a party in Guards Chapel near the Buckingham Palace. McQueen mourned the death of Isabella Blow through a spontaneously fashion show.
Raised in working class family with father as cab driver, McQueen was a working class hero. His name was skyrocketed soon after he graduated from the legendary Central Saints Martins College. At the age of 27, he joined the French couture, Givenchy that had dressed some true icons including Jacqueline “Jackie” Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and so forth. His early fashion show called “Highland Rape” showed the characteristics of McQueen who was passionate, outrageous, and rough, while at the same time, sensitive and outspoken.
So long, the Hooligan of English Fashion…

Contributed by Adi Renaldi.

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