Nov 28
Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton has been named ’Designer of the Year’ at The British Fashion Awards 2011.
World renowned for designing Kate Middleton’s wedding dress for the Royal Wedding earlier this year, Sarah’s outstanding creative direction at Alexander McQueen has ensured the McQueen legacy lived on, following the death of ‘Lee’ Alexander in 2010. Read more
Vogue.co.uk reports that MCQ, Alexander McQueen’s younger sub brand, is set to open its first standalone boutique in London…yey!
Apr 6
Dame Vivienne Westwood has been voted Greatest British Fashion Designer, in a nationwide survey to celebrate ‘Great British Spirit’ of the last 250 years.
Westwood, famous for her edgy, punk rock style, was voted top of the Brit fashion designers with 24%, beating nearest rival Alexander McQueen who scored 10%. Paul Smith was third with 6% of the national vote, Jasper Conran scored fourth with 5% and Stella McCartney was fifth with 4% of the national vote.
The study, commissioned to celebrate 250 years of ‘Great British Spirit’ by Brit Gin brand Greenall’s, also highlighted the greatest British sportsman, band, prime minister, songwriter, adventurer, writer, composer and comedian in order to build an accurate picture of the people who’ve left the biggest impression on British history.
Greenall’s spokeswoman Christina Brown said: “Fashion Design is a hugely personal thing. Everyone has a favourite. But certain designers have appeal across all ages, generations and style periods. Vivienne Westwood is one of that ultra rare breed whose eye for a look is unrivalled and appeals to everyone.
“Her work is iconic and you can feel the Britishness in every stitch. Also, like all truly great fashionistas, she is very much a one-off – totally unique and often copied.”
For more info on the campaign, see Greenall’s.
FashionBite xx
Mar 8
Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton with the late designer Lee Alexander McQueen
I’m sure most of you will have seen (or heard about!) the royal wedding dress splash on the front page of The Sunday Times this week.
The paper revealed that Alexander McQueen’s creative director Sarah Burton, the woman who heads up the British fashion label after the suicide of its eponymous designer last year, is to design Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. Great story. And great coup for McQueen.
The paper went into depth (in fact the entire page 2 and 3 pages) about the story, including the fact that Burton also designed the wedding dress for Kate’s friend Sarah Buys, who married Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles in 2005. If true, it is great that Kate is supporting a British designer…and, well, she can hardly wear Galliano!
However, in the article, Alexander McQueen chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd was contacted by The Sunday Times and he is on the record denying the story. And later on Sunday, Alexander McQueen’s office put out a statement flat out denying the piece. If untrue, The Sunday Times has got some serious egg on its face!
Since then..today, The Telegraph has posted a story stating that Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue, urged Kate Middleton to choose a wedding dress designed by the Alexander McQueen label…
So, what’s the truth…?
I’m inclined to believe The Sunday Times splash. Firstly, it wouldn’t dedicate 3 pages of front page news to the story without impeccable sources. Secondly, in the piece a source is quoted as a colleague of Jonathan Akeroyd, who was reportedly told the news by Akeroyd, which makes sense why he would backtrack now as he was probably under strict orders to keep schtum. Thirdly, with a nod from the fashion world, including British Vogue’s editor, Kate can’t really go wrong in backing the British label.
FashionBite’s View
Alexander McQueen SS10
Alexander McQueen's 'sea urchin shoes', SS10
“I’m delighted by the news that Kate is likely to be wearing Alexander McQueen for the royal wedding. It will be the biggest event of the year and it’s great to support British designers. The McQueen label is known for its dramatic and edgy collections but it also combines more structured elements of British tailoring with extravagent French Couture-the perfect mix. Known for outrageous pieces, such as the Mcqueen Ss10 collection inspired by the future world of Atlantic including some amazing sea urchin shoes..what is certain is that by backing MQueen, Kate is sure to have that quirky cool, British look down to a tee. It doesn’t quite seem in keeping with the prim, classic styling we’ve seen of Kate up until now, but maybe she’ll make a shocking entrance on April 29th..alternatively Sarah Burton will tone down her design to toe the royal line…”
Whatever happens, it will dominate the world of fashion for years to come!
FashionBite xx
I’m still in shock about the tragic news that legendary British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has died. He was found hanged this morning.
A statement on Alexander McQueen’s website says: “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.”
Tributes to one of Britain’s most influential designers have been flooding in from across the fashion world.
Sir Paul Smith told fashion industry trade magazine Drapers: “Obviously, like everyone, I am extremely shocked at this sad news. I have known Lee since his time at Central Saint Martins and gave him advice in the early part of his career. He was a very talented and creative designer, especially in respect of his tailored clothing. This is a very sad time and my thoughts are with his family.”
Burberry chief creative officer Christopher Bailey said: ”I am truly shocked and saddened by this tragic news and my thoughts are with Lee’s family. Lee was one of Britain’s greatest designers and was an inspiration to so very many people. His unique vision, charm and warm character will be greatly missed by everybody who knew Lee and by everyone touched by his extraordinary talent.”
Matthew Williamson said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by McQueen’s death. He was a genius and his talent was second to none. Like many others I always cited him as a hugely inspirational leader of world fashion. He will be greatly missed.”
Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman told The Evening Standard: “He was the most brilliant designer of his generation and his influence can be seen in the way that women dressed over the last 15 years. It is an incredible loss not only for British fashion but for fashion the world over.”
Alexander McQueen started his fashion career as a Saville Row tailor and went on to become one of the youngest designers to achieve the title ‘British Designer of the Year’, he went on to win it four times. McQueen died at the age of 40.
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