Savage Beauty

The entrance

There is a video that goes with this dress of Shalom Harlow on a stage turning in circles, while paint is being splattered onto her. You appreciate the dress a lot more once you see how it was made.

One of the last photos I took before I was threatened to get kicked out. Such a shame because I really wanted more of this collection.

There is no way back for me now. I am going to take you on journeys you’ve never dreamed were possible.
—Alexander McQueen

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of not only seeing the Alexander McQueen exhibit on my own on a Saturday evening, but on a private tour through my work. I must admit that I'm not the artsiest gal, especially when it comes to museums, but I absolutely loved this exhibit. LOVED. I'd been looking forward to seeing it ever since I found out I'd be in NYC during the time it was showing and that Alexander McQueen was one of our clients. I saw it first on my own with a fellow coworker and some friends, and then with my work on a Monday when the MET was closed to the public. It was so crowded the Saturday I went, and I wanted to read every quote, every blurb on the walls. I also almost got kicked out by this uptight MET bitch who singled me out amongst the hundred people who were also taking photos. It was worth it though, and I would do it all over again.

The exhibit showcases all of his best work, from his work at Givenchy to the chess-game show, to accessories, to his final showing. The dark romantic themes, the historical references, the craftsmanship and use of non-traditional materials prove just how skilled (and dark) he really was. One of my favorites was this dress made purely of flowers. It's so pretty, so romantic, yet the message behind it is morbid: "Things rot... I used flowers because they die." And that made me love it even more.

When it's over, you end up in a room to buy souvenirs like calendars, posters, even a McQueen clutch. I left with a book (great hologram cover and price - $40) and two armadillo shoes. I highly recommend the book if you didn't get to see the exhibit as thoroughly as you wanted to. Great photos and quotes.

Anyway, my words do this exhibit no justice. Everyone must see it. Even those who don't really care for fashion will appreciate and find it interesting and beautiful. It's bittersweet in a way, when you realize how talented McQueen was and the fact that he took his life at the peak of his career.

Life to me is a bit of a Grimm fairy tale.
—Alexander McQueen

Photos taken by my phone. It was the easiest way to make it look like I wasn't blatantly taking pictures when still obviously I was.