For years fashion has been considered to be something frivolous. In what could arguably be called Martin Scorsese’s greatest masterpiece-it impossible for me to decide on a favorite The Departed was amazing but the man did direct Casino –a stellar adaptation of Edith’s Wharton’s novel The Age of Innocence the concept of fashion is mocked mercilessly. A dashing Daniel Day-Lewis as society lawyer Newland Archer remarks to Countess Olenska (played by a younger but no less enchanting Michelle Pfeiffer) that fashion is a serious consideration only “among those who have nothing more serious to consider”. While other forms of art such as paintings, literature, and sculptures have been praised as culturally significant the art produced by the fashion industry has been met with a sort of snobbery from mainstream culture.
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| 1/2 the line from the met steps |
But on Sunday August 7th it seemed as if the rest of the world had caught on to what those with an innate interest in the fashion industry have known all along –Fashion is a viable form of art that can not only adorn starlets and faux-cialites but also have a profound impact on society. The proof of this was found in “Savage Beauty” an exhibition of the work of the late Alexander McQueen that showcased his substantial contributions to the fashion industry. A budgetary fashionista myself I’ve never been lucky enough to see the work of the designer anyplace other than the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar so the second I heard I could be in the presence of this man’s genius for just a $12 donation and a 6 hour wait I headed to the train station. I had no idea what I was in for. The wait, more like four and a half hours thanks to all those people who weren’t committed enough to endure the especially potent sun with the rest of us on a line that spanned more than three blocks, was worth every minute.
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| jackets shown as a part of the exhibit |
On line I struck up a conversation with two New York natives who were cool enough to invite me to view the exhibit alongside them and as we observed the one hundred ensembles and seventy accessories presented by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute we viewed and overheard the stunned reactions of fellow museum goers. Some were design students who sketched furiously overwhelmed with inspiration; some were fashion aficionados dressed for the occasion in sexy sandals and chic maxi dresses that couldn’t stop staring at the Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen head pieces, some were just curious tourists who had a desire to see what all the fuss was about but all were affected by the work produced by the self-proclaimed “romantic schizophrenic”. The walls of the exhibit gave McQueen a chance to try and explain his work to those unfamiliar with his complex concepts and the intricate manner in which he interpreted them his own words infusing his presence into the viewer’s experience.
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| quote from McQueen shown in exhibit |
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| Hayek-Pinault |
McQueen, who was once head designer of the legendary fashion house Givenchy where he told the press his contract was “restraining his creativity”, stated that “You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition “and he did so with his combination of both the ethereal and the austere. The holographic image of a ghostly Kate Moss held an entrancing beauty that one would never think possible of a model in a gown spinning around. And the strength of the animal print dress from his spring 2010 collection that was actually worn by Salma Hayek Pinault on the cover of last June’s InStyle magazine stood out prominently against other garments from that season’s collection. It was fitting Pinault be photographed in this dress since not only is her husband C.E.O. of the company that owns half of the McQueen brand through one of its subsidiaries the actress herself is a fan of McQueen’s work she was also spotted wearing a similar garment to a Vanity Fair party that March. The garments were each paired by a pair of armadillo heels beneath them to complete the look.
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| the infamous heels |
The severe style of shoes made famous by Lady Gaga, was met with gasps by those who had never seen or heard of them before. An elderly woman behind us stated that she flat out refused to believe that anyone was ever able to walk in those. Images of the artist’s extremely ambitious runway shows were displayed on monitors throughout the exhibit and included a model partially restrained by metal poles sporting a frightening alluring expression and gesturing to onlookers vividly with her fingers and a model walking stoically into a puddle of waiting water. McQueen didn’t present romance in the clichéd terms that most have come to associate with the words but his romantic ideals were conveyed through his enticing silhouettes and rich color choices. He asked for the minds and hearts of those who were given the opportunity to view his work by attempting to transport them to a particular place and time period and it was clear at this exhibit that he was granted that. As the restraints of the literal and the expected melted away and were replaced with the possibility that there could indeed be multiple definitions of both the romantic and the beautiful people who quite possibly may never have the chance to attend a runway show were able to appreciate the passion that is placed into the work displayed there. By viewing this violent and purposeful assortment of genius it was clear to all that the loss of such a brilliant mind is blow not only to the fashion industry but the world. And despite the sadness that accompanies losing a man who was so inept at, in his own words dealing with “a dark side of personality” there is hope to be found that all different types of people with various ideals and values can recognize the impact made by his art.
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| image at entrance WSJ compared to the experince of waiting in line to see the exhibit "heaven and hell" |
Special Thanks to the lovely ladies nice enough to keep me company
DISCLAIMER: The photograph of the line is the only one i took myself the rest are from the met's website Paris Breakfast and of course Instyle.com all credit due to them because i was NOT getting kicked out : )
