Designer Profile: Alexander McQueen
What do Sarah Jessica Parker, Claudia Schiffer, Sienna Miller and Lady Gaga all have in common? The answer is that they, along with the majority of the world’s celebrity population, are all dedicated fans of legendary fashion brand, Alexander McQueen. But beneath the elegant and innovative couture designs of the brand is the man himself who came from humble beginnings to found one of the most successful design brands in fashion history.
The late Alexander McQueen, who tragically died in February 2010, shaped a fashion legacy in his life that will long survive after his death. He was born and raised in 1969 in London to Scottish parents with 5 other siblings. He began his fashion career from an early age making dresses for his three sisters before applying for various design apprenticeships, including one at prestigious tailors at Savile Row, Anderson and Sheppard. It is this experience which is popularly credited for his unique approach to tailoring, with particular emphasis on one-shoulder detailing and figure-flattering silhouettes. 
From this early experience, he was quickly catapulted to fame as his creations gained recognition from influential figures in the fashion industry, such as the late Isabella Blow. His catwalk shows were memorably dramatic and, at times controversial. His 2001 S/S show ‘VOSS’ featured a large glass box centrepiece which appeared mirrored to the enraptured audience. As the lights dimmed, the interior of the box was revealed: inside there reclined a naked model covered in moths and wearing a full gas mask. It is easy to see why these kinds of creations provoked the shock McQueen anticipated. When looking at the scene, there is something ghastly and repulsive about it and yet, the combination of a classical nude surrounded by moths looks as though it could form part of a renaissance painting. McQueen claimed it was based on the photograph ‘Sanitarium’, staged by Joel-Peter Witkin, an artist known for his controversial images of dwarves and transsexuals.
It is this outspoken creativity which has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected designers in the industry, earning him the highest honours in fashion. He achieved the title of ‘British Designer of the Year’ four times between 1996 and 2003 and was later awarded a CBE for his contributions to fashion.
However, though his co
ntroversial couture may have earned him a reputation as a designer with a candid and explicit approach to his work, the majority of his designs are based on an in-depth understanding of the human form and how clothes and accessories can complement it. At Direct Sight we stock a wide range of Alexander McQueen prescription glasses and sunglasses. The collection features classic frame shapes with the trademark attention to detail with rose arm detailing. Though the range is designed to be functional, the frames all feature a unique design twist, such as arms curved at an interesting angle or oversized lens shapes.
Though the label has since been directed by his assistant Sarah Burton, the brand continues to produce designs worthy of the red carpet. Shop our full range of Alexander McQueen women's glasses and pay homage to this legendary designer.