Trend Watch Wednesday: Farewell Alexander

Good morning and happy Wednesday, Blonde Ambitioners! I'm so glad you stopped by for this special edition of Trend Watch Wednesday. In honor of his recent, tragic passing, I wanted to dedicate today's TWW to none other than Mr. Lee Alexander McQueen, iconic fashion designer and all-around creative genius.

Shots from the runway shows for the Spring 2010 collection and Spring 2008 collection

It's hard to sum up what McQueen did for haute couture in only a few words. His collections were known for their raw energy and vivid colors. At times, his work was the center of controversy, as McQueen often used his designs to voice his political beliefs and shed light on social injustices. The topic of many a fashion debate, his work was anything but boring.

Dresses from McQueen's Spring 2010 collection

McQueen was born in London on March 17, 1969, the youngest of six children. He left high school at the age of 16th, but was offered an internship at the famous Saville Row tailors Anderson and Shepard and, soon after, Gieves and Hawkes.

Sandra Bullock, Anna Paquin and McQueen's muse, Isabella Blow

After working in theatrical costuming, he was hired by designer Koji Tatsuno. A short year later, McQueen travelled to Milan where he worked as an assistant to Romeo Gigli. Following his stint in Milan, McQueen returned to London and completed a Master's degree in Fashion Design at Central Saint Martin's.

Pewter platform shoe from McQueen's Fall 2009 collection

His big break came in 1992, when he famously debuted his MA collection, which was bought in its entirety by Isabella Blow.

Shots from Spring 2001 collection and Spring 2007 collection

In October 1996, he was named Chief Designer at couture house Givenchy, where he worked until March 2001.

In less than 10 years in the industry, McQueen became one of the most highly respected fashion designers and artists in the world. He boasted many famous clients including long-time friend Sarah Jessica Parker, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Drew Barrymore. In 2008, McQueen made headlines when he dressed First Lady Michelle Obama in his signature pinstripe pant suit for the Presidential campaign.

His continually-fresh perspective and artistic ingenuity will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Here's to the life and work of Alexander McQueen--

XOXO,

Leslie

Photo credits: alexandermcqueen.com, Vogue, Elle, Glamour