The exhibition
The exhibition Alexander McQueen: Mind Mythos Muse is on at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
This exhibition explores the the fashion, design ethos and inspirations of the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
Unlike the previous McQueen exhibition at the NGV, which distanced the viewer from the fashion, this exhibition invites you to get up close and personal with it.
McQueen’s inspirations, the muses: painting, sculpture and literature are shared in the most delighful way.
Opening with pieces that credit to the current creative director of the label Alexander McQueen – Sarah Burton. The looks are flashy and dramatic.
The looks from the Autumn Winter 2010-11 Angels and Demons Collection have a certain poignancy that comes from knowing that Angels and Demons was Alexander McQueen’s last show.
What follows is a joyful exploration of his designs.
The Grecian style dresses and footwear share a room with Greek statutory representing that clothing style.
Alexander McQueen’s signature tailoring can’t be missed. The stand-out is a frock coat that on the runway (and in the exhibition) is styled with a sailing boat hat.
Tartan is ever present.
A favourite tartan jacket from 1995 that is oh so sharply tailored is designed to have a curved and open centre front while its rear peplum speaks of fun not countenanced by the front. This jacket was originally styled to wear with McQueen’s famous bumster pant.
Throughout the exhibition headpieces, hats and footwear add depth and interest. Whilst classic eveningwear shows the versatility and skill of Alexander McQueen as a designer
The show closes with the exotic and strangely hopeful pieces from the 2009 Before Plato’s Atlantis Collection which includes the iconic bejewelled Armadillo shoes in blue and green.
This show will delight your senses and mind.
The juxtaposition of the muse element to contextualise the fashion is beautifully done.
Its elegiac sensibility is welcome as a tribute to the lost fashion brilliance that was Alexander McQueen.
Contact Bottlegreen and Yellow Personal Stylist to arrange a complimentary chat about how I can help you achieve the style of your dreams.
