Alexander Mcqueen

At the age of 16, Mcqueen was offered an apprenticeship at the traditional tailors Anderson and Shepard, and then neighbouring Gieves and Hawkes, both masters in the technical construction of clothing. From there he moved to a theatrical costumiers where he mastered 6 methods of pattern cutting from the melodramatic 16th century to the razor sharp tailoring which has become a Mcqueen signature.

Alexander McQueen shows are known for their emotional power and raw energy, as well as the romantic but determinedly contemporary nature of the collections.

McQueen's early runway collections developed his reputation for controversy and shock tactics, earning the title “l’enfant terrible" and ‘the hooligan of English fashion’. He has been credited with bringing drama and extravagance to the catwalk. Mcqueen used new technology and innovation to add a different twist to his shows and often shocked and surprised audiences.   

McQueen was known for his lavish, unconventional, runway shows, such as a recreation of a shipwreck for his spring 2003 collection, spring 2005's human chess game and his fall 2006 show, "Widows of Culloden", which featured a life-sized hologram of supermodel Kate Moss dressed in yards of rippling fabric.

McQueen designed a range of dresses under the name of "manta", priced at around £2800. The line, named after the manta ray, was inspired by a holiday McQueen took in the Maldives in 2009. The designs have been worn by various models and celebrities, including Lily Cole.

Alexander's collections combine an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing.

 McQueen has been credited with bringing drama and extravagance to the catwalk.

He used new technology and innovation to add a different twist to his shows and often shocked and surprised audiences. The silhouettes that he created have been credited for adding a sense of fantasy and rebellion to fashion.