Remembering McQueen and Music

Two days ago Alexander McQueen was found in his apartment in London, apparently a victim of himself, he committed suicide. Unbelievably shocking and depressing, McQueen was considered a genius in the fashion world and one if, if not the most, recognizable British designers. He was scheduled to show at Fashion Week in New York next week. I thought that to honor his memory we’d look back on the role he played in music. Many musicians had a love for McQueen’s edgy sense of style. Rihanna, Madonna, Kanye West, Courtney Love and David Bowie have all been clad by the late designer.

Last October in Paris was the first time anyone heard Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” She chose to unveil it at McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2010 show. The world had heard pieces before, but this was the debut of the song in its entirety, as McQueen wrapped the show and the world saw what would become one of his last lines. In return, Alexander McQueen designed all the clothing for the “Bad Romance” music video, many of them pulled straight from the runway of that show. Also, that red lace outfit Gaga wore to the VMAs, red lace face covering and all, was and Alexander McQueen original. It is clear that both these artists were inspirations to one another.

McQueen didn’t just dress musicians he also had a chance to direct them. In January 2008 McQueen and Bjork teamed up for her music video for her song, “Alarm Call”. It features Bjork on a raft in the jungle. I really really wanted to watch the whole thing, but in bounced back and forth between Bjork and snakes and various other animals. Since it’s pretty much only my friends who read this blog, you all know that I cannot look at snakes. Actually I’m getting goose bumps all over writing about them, so I’ll stop. But apparently McQueen was not terrified of snakes, and he it’s clear that his artistic talents go beyond the fashion world and like many of us he found deep inspiration in music.

On another non-musical note. The McQueen line was majority owned by Gucci (51%). I wonder if they are going to appoint a new designer to carry it on. It’s hard to imagine that anyone could replace him.