Savage Beauty

I hope when Death finds me, she comes looking like this.

The Horn of Plenty, autumn/winter 2009–10 Black duck feathers

Seriously.  Only a visual genius like Alexander McQueen could make a rational person wish in such a way. About this dress he said, “It is important to look at death because it is a part of life. It is a sad thing, melancholy but romantic at the same time. It is the end of a cycle—everything has to end. The cycle of life is positive because it gives room for new things.”

From The Girl Who Lived in a Tree Collection, Fall 2008

Another favorite of mine; this one calls out to me from center stage in my dreams.

No. 13, spring/summer 1999 White cotton muslin spray-painted black and yellow with underskirt of white synthetic tulle

And last but not least, I have just always loved this dress because it is apocalyptic in way and yet still a casual-seeming day dress.  I also enjoyed this video of how it came to be.

The exhibit comes with a wait but it is well worth it.  There are so many gems, including brilliant accessories and use of so many non-traditional materials without any trace of gimmick.  The man was serious and his clothes are fine art.  The book will have treasured spot on my shelf for many years to come.