Alexander McQueen : Savage Beauty

Celebrating the astounding creativity and originality of designer Alexander McQueen, who relentlessly questioned and confronted the requisites of fashion

“An authoritative and moving insight into the legacy of the British designer.”—Carola Long, Financial Times

“McQueen’s brilliance is celebrated in this sumptuous tome.”—Harper’s Bazaar

“Excellent.”—Huffington Post

Arguably the most influential, imaginative, and provocative designer of his generation, Alexander McQueen both challenged and expanded fashion conventions to express ideas about race, class, sexuality, religion, and the environment. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty examines the full breadth of the designer’s career, from the start of his fledgling label to the triumphs of his own world-renowned London house. It features his most iconic and radical designs, revealing how McQueen adapted and combined the fundamentals of Savile Row tailoring, the specialized techniques of haute couture, and technological innovation to achieve his distinctive aesthetic. It also focuses on the highly sophisticated narrative structures underpinning his collections and extravagant runway presentations, with their echoes of avant-garde installation and performance art.

Published to coincide with an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art organized by The Costume Institute, this stunning book includes a preface by Andrew Bolton; an introduction by Susannah Frankel; an interview by Tim Blanks with Sarah Burton, creative director of the house of Alexander McQueen; illuminating quotes from the designer himself; provocative and captivating new photography by renowned photographer Sølve Sundsbø; and a lenticular cover by Gary James McQueen.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (May 4–August 7, 2011)

MEDIA REVIEWS

“An authoritative and moving insight into the legacy of the British designer.”—Carola Long, Financial Times (Christmas Books

)“Excellent catalogue.”—Huffington Post

“McQueen’s brilliance is celebrated in this sumptuous tome. . . . The hologram cover makes it a collector’s item.”—Harper’s Bazaar“A captivating tribute to the designer’s most radical and beautiful creations. . . . I love all the detail shots which highlight the sheer intricacy of his work.”—Claire Brayford, Daily Express

“This book . . . helps illuminate McQueen’s artistic process. Recommended for readers with an interest in contemporary fashion.”—Library Journal“A super-glossy and utterly gorgeous coffee table tome, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is a must for any fashionista.”—Living North

“A stunning overview of the work of Britain’s favourite designer.”—Observer Magazine

“The definitive reference of Lee Alexander McQueen.”—Dean Mayo Davies, I-D Magazine

“The show and book, Savage Beauty, offer plenty of ammunition to the charge that the fashion and art world will never see the like of Alexander McQueen again.”—Laurence Mackin, Irish Times

“Many books will come dedicated to his genius, but Savage Beauty will remain a beacon.”—Janice Breen Burns, Sydney Morning Herald

“A sumptuous catalogue. . . . His designs are beautifully interpreted by London-based Norwegian fashion photographer Sølve Sundsbø. There is detail enough to satisfy the student of fashion, and striking full-page images that convey McQueen’s sense of style and his flair for dramatic statements.”—Eleri Lynn, V & A Magazine“[A] stunning book.”—Baby & Me Exclusive

“Alexander McQueen, famed for his astonishing and extravagant runaway presentations on the catwalk is revealed extensively in this remarkable book. . . . This goldmine book available in hardcover with lenticular image is a must-have addition to your library and a way of keeping the memory and work of Alexander McQueen alive.”—The BiteWinner of a 2012 Independent Publisher Book Award in the Most Outstanding Design categoryWinner of the 2012 San Francisco Book Festival award for Photography and ArtWinner of the Awards for Excellence in 2011, given by the Association of Art Museum CuratorsFinalist for the 2011 ForeWord Book of the Year Award in the Art category