Alexander McQueen: Final Collection, Paris 2010

Sorry for my absence as of late – we have finally made the move to Asheville, NC!  I’ve been unpacking and getting all of those moving details squared away for the past while.  I will be getting some photographs of my new home and the style of the Asheville streets very soon.  But first I have to unpack my closet…  😉

Yesterday I came across images from Alexander McQueen’s final collection and a beautifully written article about the legend and his last works.  The 16-piece collection was only at 80% completion at the time of his death and draws inspiration from the art of the Dark Ages but with a new perspective, incorporating mohawk, feathered headpieces and specially ordered fabric that translated digital photographs of demons by Hieronymus Bosch and high-church angels.  I feel a kinship to this concept of juxtaposing the new and the old, the digital and the…  analog, art and technology.  It is one element as to why I’ve always been such a fan of Alexander McQueen.

Here are a few of my favorites from the collection.  View the entire collection at style.com.

I can’t help but think that these pieces are only a small part of the entire vision.  One can only imagine what artistry would have encapsulated this collection on the runway.  The simple and intimate showing of this final collection may not have been what McQueen had in mind –  it was his showmanship as well as his garments that made him what he was – but it offered his close friends and colleagues a moment to reflect and one last look.

Photos:

style.com via
Christopher Moore / Courtesy of Alexander McQueen

Alexander The Great: R.I.P. McQueen

Photo courtesy of style.com

I had every intention of writing a post today that centered around the start of NYFW – a joyous event in my mind and in that of every  fashion darling.  However, when I came across the news of Alexander McQueen’s death this morning I felt anything but joyful.

The official statement found on alexandermcqueen.com:

“ON BEHALF OF LEE MCQUEEN’S FAMILY, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN TODAY ANNOUNCES THE TRAGIC NEWS THAT LEE MCQUEEN, THE FOUNDER AND DESIGNER OF THE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BRAND HAS BEEN FOUND DEAD AT HIS HOME. AT THIS STAGE IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO COMMENT ON THIS TRAGIC NEWS BEYOND SAYING THAT WE ARE DEVASTATED AND ARE SHARING A SENSE OF SHOCK AND GRIEF WITH LEE’S FAMILY.

LEE’S FAMILY HAS ASKED FOR PRIVACY IN ORDER TO COME TO TERMS WITH THIS TERRIBLE NEWS AND WE HOPE THE MEDIA WILL RESPECT THIS.”

Alexander McQueen’s runway shows were always ones that I looked forward to the very most.  More than just a fashion designer, this man was truly a very talented artist in the truest sense.  According to the articles I’ve been able to find, it is believed that McQueen’s cause of death was suicide though no official statement from his family has been made.

Lovers of his eccentric and controversial work are saddened today but we can take comfort in the amazing art he created through which he lives on.

Alexander McQueen Paris Fashion Week Fall 2009

Illustration by me of the same © Ciara Pickering 2010

How to Wear it: Ombré

My most influential design professor often reminded my classmates and myself to use gradients with caution.  It’s a good rule to follow in graphic design and, perhaps, in fashion and beauty, as well.

In fashion, ombré generally refers to a fabric-dyeing technique that results in a subtle-to-dramatic color gradation.  Recently, this term refers not only to the clothes on the runway but models’ hair as well.

photo courtesy of Stazee's tumblr

As with the gradients one might attempt in Photoshop, ombré hair should also be approached with wariness – while this beauty trend can look amazing in photographs and on runways, in real-life it might seem as if you’ve just let your roots run wild…

This actually makes me wonder…  Is this some sort of ironic homage to the recession?  Wealthy individuals paying hundreds of dollars to get a dye job that looks like the hair of lower-income women who haven’t the means to maintain their own (at-home) color…?  I’m not sure of the implications.  I’d definitely like your thoughts on this, whether you love this look or hate it.

So, all subtext aside, maybe this (hair) trend is not for you.  There are still a lot of ways to embrace the ombré trend, from a fabulous ombré-inspired manicure to some sweet lace, color gradation tights from Urban Outfitters.

Click image to view set details via Polyvore

Lady Gaga: Bad Romance = Great Fashion

While my bestie was up our anthem was definitely Bad Romance by Lady Gaga.  We seriously danced around to it at least once a day during the week-long visit!  (I’m a bit of a fangirl and I don’t care.)  Now that the video is out I am thrilled!  (side note:  That last shot in the video?!  Seriously, I die.)

Lady Gaga in Agent Provocateur

I am IN LOVE with the Agent Provocateur black Love Demi Bra and Briefs she rocks in the video.

Not to mention pieces from Alexander McQueen’s amazing Spring 2010 collection.

I was also interested to find out that the over-the-top polar bear coat she dons later in the video is by New York-based designer Benjamin Cho. Originally created for his Spring 2004 runway show with the Human Society, the completely faux-fur coat was “reworked” just for Gaga’s video…  Gorgeous!

photo from The Cut

Get Creepy!

via Polyvore

See this set and others by me at Polyvore

Oh, it is almost Halloween!  I’m not going to try to hide just how excited I am.  Last year The Boyfriend and I went as Margot and Richie Tenenbaum which was fabulous:

© Ciara Pickering 2009

I’m not sure what his plans for this year are…  I’m thinking maybe a new twist on the classic skeleton for myself (obviously this thought informed my polyvore set for today) but we shall see.

I hope everyone else is excited for Halloween!  I very strongly support dressing up at every age (and, to be honest, regardless of the time of year 🙂 )  It is such a great opportunity to be anything you want if just for an evening.  What are you going to be this Halloween?