Alexander McQueen: Unseen

Alexander McQueen: Unseen

by Claire Wilcox (Introduction), Claire Wilcox (Introduction), Claire Wilcox (Introduction), Robert Fairer (Author), Sally Singer (Author)

Synopsis

Never-before-seen photos of McQueen's brilliantly creative world from an exclusive backstage photographer Alexander McQueen, the iconic designer whose untimely death in 2010 left the fashion world reeling and fans worldwide clamoring for more, fused immense creativity, audacity, and a hauntingly dark aesthetic sense into powerful, unforgettable imagery. The strange, singular beauty of his clothing was matched by the spectacle of his legendary fashion shows, which demonstrated his outstanding showmanship and consistently pushed the boundaries of runway events. Robert Fairer's intimate, vibrant full-color photographs of McQueen's collections, taken backstage and on the catwalk when few photographers were allowed access, offer a unique insight into the life and work of one of the world's most captivating figures. This previously unpublished portfolio of stunning, high-energy photographs captures the people and the spirit that made the designer's flamboyant shows unique. Fairer, Vogue's backstage fashion photographer for over a decade, was an integral part of the whirl of activity behind the scenes. These images, which capture both the glamor and the grit, represent a new genre of fashion photography and are a treasure-trove of inspiration. This superb book contains an introduction and collections texts by fashion expert Claire Wilcox. Dynamic images of McQueen's collections--thirty of his total of thirty-six shows are presented chronologically--portray behind-the-scenes moments that reveal stylists, models, hairdressers, makeup artists, and McQueen himself at their most candid and creative.

$50.92

Quantity

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More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 352
Edition: Illustrated
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 15 Nov 2016

ISBN 10: 030022267X
ISBN 13: 9780300222678

Media Reviews
An encyclopedic behind-the-scenes look at 30 of the designer's 36 collections. From Shalom Harlow rotating and being sprayed with car paint by robots in the No. 13 show in 1998 to McQueen helping to carry off the stage a model acting like an exhausted endurance dancer in the 'Deliverance' show, Fairer captured it all. -Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD -- Rosemary Feitelberg WWD Named One of the Fall's 10 Best Books on Fashion-W Magazine W Magazine An intimate meditation on the final years of the fashion show in the pre-digital age. -Vanity Fair UK Vanity Fair UK Robert's images are just as much a window into a world of fashion journalism that's all but disappeared... Fairer was one of the genre's pioneers, one of the first to slip away from the catwalk ruckus and behind the curtain; and few designers provided such a vein of activity to mine backstage as [Alexander McQueen.] ... As much as he was the master of the big visual spectacle, he was also a master of detail. Robert's images document the preparation and staggering visual shocks that Lee created, but they also show the designer putting final touches to looks before they went out on the catwalk, losing himself in the intricacy of his creations. -Felix Petty, i-D.vice.com -- Felix Petty i-D.vice.com Alexander McQueen: Unseen is a must for those who revel in the glories of fashion and those who possess indescribable abilities that allow them to translate those talents into tangible objects. The book is a reminder to all of those in fashion what a loss we suffered and will offer the uninitiated reader a glimpse into a world that was and dwindles each new season. -Jeffrey Felner, New York Journal of Books -- Jeffrey Felner New York Journal of Books Robert Fairer offers an unseen look at Alexander McQueen. -Julia Vitale, Vanity Fair -- Julia Vitale Vanity Fair A behind-the-scenes take on the industry's last great showman, Robert Fairer's Alexander McQueen: Unseen, with text by Claire Wilcox and Vogue's Sally Singer, is just the thing for a fashionphile. -Meghan O'Grady, Vogue -- Meghan O'Grady Vogue This luxe catalog honors the designer - who died in 2010 - with great photos from his fashion shows. -Tina Jordan, Entertainment Weekly -- Tina Jordan Entertainment Weekly Marvel over Fairer's vibrant and luxurious photographs of McQueen's imaginative collections, taken on the runway and backstage where few have access. Alexander McQueen: Unseen offers a glimpse into the life and work of one of the world's most intriguing and iconic fashion designers. -Tara Paniogue, The Los Angeles Times -- Tara Paniogue The Los Angeles Times
Author Bio
Robert Fairer was American Vogue's exclusive backstage photographer for over a decade; his work has appeared in Elle, Harper's Bazaar, GQ, and the New York Times, among many other publications. Sally Singer is creative director of Vogue.com. Claire Wilcox is senior curator at the V&A, London, and an expert on the work of Alexander McQueen.