Alexander McQueen masterpieces have come together in the ‘Savage Beauty’ exhibition at the V&A Museum.
More than 240 rare and awe-inspiring ensembles and accessories have been brought together in the only major retrospective exhibition in Europe of the late legendary designer Alexander McQueen.
Transferred and expanded from an exhibition at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art installation, film and music come together to recreate McQueen’s provocation and dramatic catwalk shows and explore concepts central to his work.
Alexander McQueen was a fan of the museum after it became one of the first to exhibit his work in 1997.
He once said: “The collections at the V&A never fail to intrigue and inspire me.
“The nation is privileged to have access to such a resource… it’s the sort of place I’d like to be shut in overnight.”
Martin Roth, V&A director, said McQueen often exhibited his work and used the museum’s wide of collections as inspiration for his visionary work.
He said: “I am thrilled that this magnificent show has come to London and feel passionately that the V&A is its natural home.”
The exhibition also includes behind the scenes photographs from McQueen’s close friend photographer Ann Ray, from a collection that McQueen described as ‘my life in pictures’.
Ann Ray explained her joy at being both photographer of these images and being exhibited at the museum, a place which McQueen treasured.
She said: “I cherish the idea that these photographs made with a fierce passion and full dedication – art for art, indeed – are now at a place that Lee would joyfully approve.”
Image of Tahitian pearl necklace courtesy of Anthea Sims, with thanks.
Image of Jellyfish ensemble and armadillo shoes courtesy of Lauren Greenfield, with thanks.
All other images courtesy of FirstVIEW / The V&A, with thanks.
