Alexander McQueen Beauty Looks I Can't Get Over
Alexander McQueen, the iconic British fashion designer, was renowned for pushing the boundaries of fashion and art. His shows were not just exhibitions of clothing but eccentric and immersive experiences. In this retrospective, we delve into some of McQueen's most unforgettable catwalk beauty looks that span a decade. From innovative makeup to otherworldly hairstyles, his work continues to captivate and inspire the world of fashion.
1. The AW09 Look
Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee
McQueen's Autumn/Winter 2009 show remains a standout in the fashion world's memory. The show featured a stunning combination of eerie makeup and intricate headpieces. Models were adorned with red lips and eyes that resembled snake scales, giving an otherworldly and somewhat unsettling appearance. The makeup emphasized the innovative nature of McQueen's work, pushing the boundaries of conventional beauty standards. The show's hair designs were equally mesmerizing, with towering structures that resembled alien life forms. These looks perfectly encapsulate McQueen's unique vision and his ability to create a captivating atmosphere on the runway.
2. The Iconic AW96 Unicorn Horn
Image Courtesy: Vogue
In his Autumn/Winter 1996 show, McQueen created an enchanting beauty look that featured wrapped and braided hair, accompanied by a unicorn horn headpiece. This stunning combination of elegant hair and mythical headwear showcased his penchant for creating a visual spectacle. The unicorn horn added a touch of fantasy and mystique to the show, making it an unforgettable moment in the world of fashion.
3. AW97: A Nod to the '80s
Image Courtesy: Vogue
McQueen's Autumn/Winter 1997 show was a bold nod to the 1980s. Models graced the runway with electric blonde mullets, exaggerated winged eyeliner, and larger-than-life shoulders. The look, as seen on the striking Alek Wek, was a daring fusion of the past and the future. McQueen's ability to reimagine and reinvent styles from different eras was evident in this unforgettable beauty look.
4. The Doll-Like SS05 Aesthetic
Image Courtesy: Met Museum
Spring/Summer 2005 showcased McQueen’s ability to create a softer, but mesmerizing look. Gemma Ward walked the runway with an intricate sculpted wooden headpiece, complemented by a doll-like blush on her cheeks. This look was a last wish to McQueen's ability to seamlessly mix the natural and the absurd, creating a sense of enchantment and wonder.
5. Kate Moss's Mohawk and Alien-Esque Makeup
Image Courtesy: Harpers Bazaar
In Autumn/Winter 1996, McQueen's close friend Kate Moss took the runway with a knotted mohawk and intergalactic "bruised" makeup. This look was a bold departure from conventional beauty standards, showcasing McQueen's fearlessness and creativity. It was a transformative moment that exemplified McQueen's talent for turning models into living works of art.
6. The Elaborate AW06 Wedding Ensemble
Image Courtesy: Something Vain
McQueen's Autumn/Winter 2006 show featured an extravagant wedding look that was a masterpiece of imagination and craftsmanship. Raquel Zimmermann graced the runway with a lace train held up by antlers. This combination of whimsical and gothic serves as a reference to McQueen’s classic nods to different fashion eras.
7. SS08: A Swarm of Red Butterflies
Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee
Spring/Summer 2008 featured models brandishing mesmerizing headpieces adorned with swarms of red butterflies, creating a sense of movement and life on the runway. It was to honor McQueen's fascination with nature and its many wonders, highlighting his ability to create beauty that was both unique and organic.
8. The Hybrid Beauty of AW06
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
In Autumn/Winter 2006, models sported an amalgamation of tight, courtier curls and model airplanes as headpieces, creating a striking visual juxtaposition. McQueen's ability to show historical references with futuristic elements was truly remarkable, making this look a standout moment in his career.
9. AW99: The Metallic Queen
Autumn/Winter 1999 brought a metallic silver eye paint and an embellished ensemble, transforming models into ice queens. McQueen's talent for creating striking contrasts was on full display in this look.
Alexander McQueen's catwalk beauty looks were not just about makeup and hairstyles. They were immersive experiences that pushed the boundaries of fashion and art. Each look was a highlight of his fearless creativity and unique vision. A decade after his untimely passing, these looks continue to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the indelible mark he left on the fashion world. Alexander McQueen's work was a true masterpiece, reminding us that beauty knows no boundaries.
Strike Out,
Writer: Lucia Villanustre
Editor: Isabel Wilder
Tallahassee