It’s hard to believe today marks a year since Alexander McQueen’s tragic death. Fashion’s been mourning the loss of the late, great designer ever since he passed away on February 11th 2010 – and even though Sarah Burton’s continuing Lee’s legacy through his eponymous label, there’s still a gaping hole left in the industry.
A genius of our generation, McQueen’s avant garde and often daring designs pushed boundaries, challenged traditions and transcended fashion into a spectacular art form. From his debut Central Saint Martins postgraduate collection in 1992 to his final collection, shown at a private presentation in Paris without him in 2010, the British enfant terrible, as he was often referred, expanded our understanding of fashion towards a conceptual commentary on contemporary culture.
And so, on the first anniversary of his death – and as the fashion world commemorates the official Alexander McQueen day on Twitter – we’re paying tribute to the incredible designer, celebrating his unrivalled work, and spotlighting the celebs who’ve worn it.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker in a tartan McQueen dress at 2006’s Costume Institute Gala; wearing a McQueen tuxedo jacket to the designer’s memorial at St Paul’s Cathedral in September 2010; and wearing a floor-length floral gown two months before to the 2010 CFDA Awards.
Daphne Guinness
Muse to McQueen Daphne Guinness wears sea-inspired dress and those infamous 12-inch Armadillo shoes from Alexander’s SS10 collection to Nars’ 15×15 project in November 2009.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell models a McQueen dress from his SS10 collection at her charity Fashion For Relief catwalk show in February 2010; just days later, she wears another dress from the same collection to the 2010 Elle Style Awards; and in December last year, wearing a McQueen dress by Sarah Burton to the British Fashion Awards 2010.
Kate Moss; Fashion for Relief
Kate Moss makes a runway return, alongside a host of supers, at Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief charity catwalk show in February 2010 in Alexander McQueen’s SS10 collection in honour of the designer.
Lady Gaga
A fan and friend of McQueen, Lady Gaga wears a regal gown from the designer’s final collection to the 2010 VMA’s.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama wears a red rose-printed gown from McQueen’s resort 2011 collection, designed by Sarah Burton, to the State Dinner in January 2011.
Mila Kunis
Actress Mila Kunis wowed on the red carpet at the 17th Annual Sag Awards on January 31st wearing a red rose-printed chiffon gown from the same resort collection.