McQueen, Alexander

McQueen, Alexander (Lee Alexander McQueen), 1969–2010, British fashion designer. He learned tailoring on Savile Row in London and worked with several theatrical costumers, which led to his designing wardrobes for rock stars. His “bumster” pants (1993), which were cut very low, sparked a fashion for low-rise jeans. From 1996 to 2001 McQueen was head designer for Givenchy while also continuing with his own label. He began a menswear collection in 2004, and also sold fragrances, cosmetics, and athletic shoes under his label. McQueen's extravagant runway shows, featuring ripped bodices, tangled hair, and bandaged heads, were dramatic and provocative.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Fashion: Biographies