Alexander McQueen True Visionary

Alexander McQueen was one of the great ones. A true visionary, he had the ability to create unique and innovative pieces while still flattering the female figure. Having been one of the youngest designers to receive the prestigious, "British Designer of the Year" award at just 27 years of age, it seemed that McQueen would be in the fashion spotlight for a very long time. With great success resulting in part from his outlandish runway shows, this might have been a reality. Sadly, Alexander McQueen changed this fate when he took his own life on February 11, 2010.

McQueen's designs were unique without saying, always wild and often controversial. He was never one to worry about offending, and often did so with his inspiration and themes. One show depicted each and every model as an abused or deformed woman. Another presented designs made of garbage, insinuating that the fashion industry would face a dreary future. Nonetheless, his immense talent and artistic vision earned him international respect and admiration.

The final collection presented by Alexander McQueen was for the Spring 2010 season, and took place in Paris, October 2009. Themed around a futuristic Aquatica, the collection featured psychedelic graphic prints of vivid colors, along with exciting silhouettes of exaggerated shoulders and hips. With added volume everywhere else, waistlines remain perfectly fitted. Coordinating nicely with mind-boggling swirls of vibrant color and bold shapes, each of McQueen's models shows off a unique hairstyle resembling bunny ears. Parted in the middle, the hair is piled high into two "ears". Extreme platform shoes carry them down the exciting garments. One particular look shimmers quite brilliantly, with slightly different color and shape. It almost resembles a futuristic queen, ruling the runway from atop metallic platforms. The look consists of iridescent leggings of a shiny pearl color, along with a top piece in a sheer, iridescent fabric. Scrunched in an avant garde manner, the top resembles a shimmering, cosmic cloud. The fabric coils around the neck in a collar that appears to be inspired by the Elizabethan era.

Travel back to any previous collection from Alexander McQueen, and you will find the same great artistic vision and jaw-dropping presentation. For example, the collection for Fall 2008 presented with a very dark theme. Most looks were all black, with coordinating pale skin and frizzy hair. You might think you had stepped into a horror film set in 19th century London. There was, however, a bit of glamour thrown in. One dress featured a peacock print atop layers of exquisite tulle. The fluffy layers look deliciously soft, and the dress was even seen on Sarah Jessica Parker in an issue of Vogue. As this collection came to an end, another breathtaking dress features the same piled tulle in an asymmetrical design. A perfect, shimmering silk in dark blue lay over the tulle, revealing much more on the left hip. The piece was gathered at a side seam, and featured a feminine tie at one shoulder. At the opposite shoulder, a gem-embellished tank was revealed, making the dress even more spectacular.

With his great ability to combine controversy and beauty, Alexander McQueen was truly original. While the decision has been made to keep the Alexander McQueen brand alive, the mind behind the vision is forever gone. How could a sculpted hip or bold print ever be the same? The fashion world has lost something great, and Mr. McQueen will be sorely missed.

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