Visiting Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

I’m still in awe from my visit this week to the Victoria & Albert Museum, where I took in the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty retrospective during its opening week. I was thrilled to go since I couldn’t make it to the NY show a few years back during its run at the Met. It was a beautiful display of this creative designer’s dark and dramatic romanticism from the beginning of his career as a tailor on Savile Row to his final seasons. The exhibit really delved deeply into his psyche, offering why he was so interested in balancing beauty with the grotesque, and mixing so many different materials. I especially loved his modern MacQueen tartan designed garments from his A/W 1995 Highland show, a tribute to his Scottish heritage.

It was amazing how he could take things normally so very displeasing to the eye, and make them so incredibly beautiful. I couldn’t tear myself away from some of his pieces. The most impressive space to me was the Cabinet of Curiosities, a breathtakingly tall area in the center of the winding rooms within the exhibition. It showcased a montage of his dresses, headdresses {truly ingenious works of art}, shoes {the armadillo was widely displayed} and other accessories.

In the center of this striking display was a video from his 1999 S/S RTW show of Shalom Harlow rotating on a turntable, being spray painted by two robots. I’d seen it awhile back, but it honestly stunned me to see the film again it amidst all these darkly beautiful things he designed. The other amazing film I have to mention was the ethereal Kate Moss hologram inside a glass pyramid from his 2006 Widows of Culloden show in Paris. I was surprised and delighted around every turn, something you hope for but certainly don’t expect, in a show.

I won’t tell you too much more, but just to go see it! It’s already broken records of being the V&A’s most popular show ever. It sold 70,000 tickets before opening day, more than any other show they’ve hosted before. It was sold out the day I went, so I recommend booking far in advance.The exhibit doesn’t allow photography or sketching, so even though it’s busy, it still moves at a good pace. It’s a great idea for your summer visitors to book tickets if they’re into art, fashion or design — and do it now! It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Runs now through August 2. For tickets and other information visit the V&A website here.