Musso Design Group Looks to a Fashion Icon for Inspiration

 

“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

That quote really sums up my experience after visiting the exhibition of the late Alexander McQueen’s work title “Savage Beauty,” which drew record breaking crowds to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

 

In my never ending search for new and innovative ideas, I was truly inspired by the creative genius that McQueen embodied. The show, designed by Sam Gainsbury and Joseph Bennett, was a marvel.  After sellout months and often 5 to 8 hour wait times, people from all over the world, left the exhibit as I did - speechless.

The most striking feature of the show was a ruffled organza dress, made of thousands of organza layers.  Next to it was a hologram of Kate Moss wearing the dress used to close a 2006 runway show.  Reportedly, it took three dress makers three months simply to cut the organza squares.

 In the “Cabinet of Curiosities,” gallery, McQueen-commissioned fashion accessories, among them an extravagant butterfly hat and a jacket that is adorned with alligator skulls (as shoulder “pads”), and shoes curved like giant hooves. 

Most interesting, though, are videos of the designer’s runway shows playing on monitors (some overhead).  In one video a model stands on a slowly revolving platform as two robotic machines aggressively spray her with paint.

All of this visual stimulation only added to the magic.  McQueen’s clothes – while not always practical – are truly works of art borne from a complex artist.  The result evokes reaction and made us think.  It was a very inspiring exhibition.  

The only way to really experience this incredible exhibit is to see it for yourself.   (The show is rumored to move to London in 2012). Until then, here is a video tribute to McQueen's impact on fashion.