Inside Look: Alexander McQueen - MET

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

"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." - Alexander McQueen . 

This quote was printed on the wall inside of the Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC (as shown below).  I recently had an opportunity to spend one day in NYC and I made going to the MET my number one priority!  The entrance to the exhibit (shown below) features two fantastic looks from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection. 

Entrance

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Aside from the exhibit, I was blown away by the MET itself! People say how large it is, but I didn't really realize just how large and amazing it was! The architecture in that place is jaw-dropping, and deserves a post of its own (soon to come). 

There was an hour wait just to step foot inside of the McQueen exhibit, but it was well worth the wait.  Hundreds of hours must have went into the designing and decorating of the exhibit. There were so many different rooms, and each featuring parts of a specific collection, with the room's decor matching the theme of the collection.  There were also holograms and projected images throughout the exhibit. I expected the exhibit to be large, but it exceeded my expectations content-wise.  I got to see so many pieces up close and personal, it was really exciting for me.  Cameras were prohibited (I was so disappointed) but I took notes and I was able to find a bunch of photos online. 

The Exhibit

                                                                       images property of newyorksocialdiary.com and shei magazine

The top left photo is one of the rooms featuring all plaid pieces from his Autumn/Winter 2006-7 collection.  I was immediately reminded of when Sara Jessica Parker showed up to 2006's MET Costume Institute Gala with Alexander McQueen. Both were wearing his plaid creations. (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgszus2wOvbRriKNbVZmngYEbwbVYny1B3IabsJ7F_GmoP68_qC-q3kIziQq-IuUARMSjKT21fgyzDoCrVyNR2IkCQ3u7CEDQot-cRI89nw3LfoyOn90XhjhGwol3jrYVtKDjTYcr06Xo/s400/sarah-jessica-parker_300.jpg ). The top right photo is a large detailed glass case towards the beginning of the exhibit.  The bottom left photo was towards the very end of the exhibit and featured looks from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection including the "jellyfish" outfit and infamous "armadillo heels" that were worn by Lady Gaga on more than one occasion.  The bottom right photo shows the area of the exhibit showcasing accessories, Philip Treacy hats and the spray-painted dress I reference later on.

From Runway to Real Life

images property of the MET and Vogue

These pieces, as shown straight out of different Alexander McQueen runway shows, were featured in the exhibit. (From far left)

- This black extravagant frock, from the Autumn/Winter 2009-10, was stunning in person.  The photos of all of these looks just do not do them justice! It has intricately woven straps and the bottom ruffles are extraordinary up close.

- The third look in this collage, from the Autumn/Winter 2006 collection, is insanely detailed up close.  Tons of lace embroidery was done to make this look complete perfection.  If only Kate Middleton would have worn this gown (without the antlers of course).  The craftsmanship on it is just unbelievable. 
- The final dress, from the Autumn/Winter 2010-11 has a really awesome print up close, it is very colorful and I could definitely see a celebrity wearing it on the red carpet!

                                                                                 images property of the MET and Vogue
- The first dress, from the Autumn/Winter 2001-2 collection is very unique in that it contains hair (not real human, though) on the bottom of the skirt.
- This gold gown from the Autumn/Winter 2010-11 collection is STUNNING.  It is made from small gold-coated leaves that are precisionly placed.  I also love the tulle at the bottom.  This is an example of one of the gowns that seems much more elaborate in person.  When I first saw this it reminded me of royalty.
-The third look, from the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, is so fun and playful. The bottom reminds me of a Hershey kiss, and the headpiece (a Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen creation), was also part of the exhibit.

- The last look, from the Spring/ Summer 2003 collection, is known as the "Oyster Dress" and was inspired by a shipwreck.  The layers are impeccably done, and it is much, much more elegant in person.

-Another spectacular look that I was able to see in person (shown in the video below and in the accessories room above) is a white spray-painted tube dress.  The spray-painting, however, was done on the runway, in the middle of his show. Watch this video from 0-1:17 to see the process.

As Shown in the MET

                                                                                  Images and Information courtesy of the MET
(From left)

- A unique torn lace dress from the Autumn/Winter 1995-6 collection.  The torn lace look would later become an Alexander McQueen signature technique.

- A stunning gown from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection featuring embroidered chrysanthemums and black ostrich feathers.  I would love for a celebrity to wear this to the Oscars...Cate Blanchett take note.

- This Autumn Winter 2006/7 gown is made entirely of ostrich feathers! McQueen said of the dress: “Birds in flight fascinate me. I admire eagles and falcons. I’m inspired by a feather but also its color, its graphics, its weightlessness and its engineering. It’s so elaborate. In fact I try and transpose the beauty of a bird to women.”

- This ensemble is known as "Jellyfish" because of the small iridescent enamel paillettes that cover the entire outfit.  It is from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection and was worn by Lady Gaga in her "Bad Romance" video posted below.  It can be seen  from 3:30-3:44.  There is also another pair of McQueen shoes at  the 3:06 time mark!
- This floral gown from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection is on the MET's advertisements for the exhibit for a reason. It is a true work of art made out of silk, organza and real (yes, real) flowers!

Alexander McQueen's presence in Bad Romance (skip to 3:06 and 3:30-3:44)

Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen

These are just four of the hats featured in the accessories area.  The bottom left peacock hat is shown here on Emma Watson for a magazine spread, but it was also present in the exhibit.  The gold Chinese inspired hat (top right) can be seen on the runway in the collage above.  The butterfly hat is even more stunning in person! Just fantastic!

If you are in or near NYC this summer, I highly recommend visiting the MET to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit.  Pictures do not do these pieces justice, seeing them in person will completely change your opinion of them! The exhibit runs until July 31st, and you can find great information about it and learn more about some of the items featured at http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/ . 

Ps. This is my 100th post, enjoy!!!