Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen was more than just a designer — he was a true storyteller. Many of his collections were born from dreams, often dark, cinematic, or emotionally charged, and he had a gift for translating those subconscious narratives into fashion that felt both haunting and beautiful. His shows were never just about clothes; they were immersive experiences, filled with symbolism, emotion, and drama.

One of his most powerful examples of this was his Fall/Winter 1998 collection, often referred to as the “Joan of Arc” collection. The story followed a woman’s journey through strength, struggle, and sacrifice — culminating in a finale where a model stood in a ring of fire, her metal bodice glowing like armor. It wasn’t just about medieval references — it was about resilience, martyrdom, and transformation, themes McQueen often explored.

Another unforgettable collection was “VOSS” (Spring/Summer 2001), set in a glass asylum where models portrayed characters on the edge of madness and beauty. It was inspired in part by McQueen’s own struggles and thoughts on society’s perception of beauty, confronting viewers with unsettling, thought-provoking visuals.

In “Widows of Culloden” (Fall/Winter 2006), McQueen drew on his Scottish heritage and the tragic history of the Highlands to create a romantic yet mournful collection full of tartan, lace, and ghost-like silhouettes. The show ended with a life-size hologram of Kate Moss swirling in a cloud of chiffon — again blending fashion, fantasy, and dream imagery.

McQueen had this rare ability to use fashion to tell stories that felt deeply personal yet universally resonant. His collections weren’t just clothes — they were poems, nightmares, memories, and myths stitched into fabric. That’s what makes his legacy so enduring.