Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Andrew Bolton, Tim Blanks, Susannah Frankel, Sølve Sundsbø

Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) was one of the most influential, imaginative and inspirational designers at the turn of the millennium. His fashions both challenged and expanded the conventional parameters of clothing beyond utility to a compelling expression of culture, politics and identity. Focusing on the most iconic and acclaimed designs of his prolific career, this stunning book examines McQueen's inimitable technical virtuosity and its subversion of traditional tailoring and dressmaking practices. This book also focuses on the highly sophisticated narrative structures found in McQueen's collections and in his astonishing and extravagant runway presentations, which suggested the most avant-garde installation and performance art.

Intended as an assessment of Alexander McQueen's entire career, this book includes in-depth studies of six collections that illustrate and encapsulate thematic chapters as well as an interview with Sarah Burton, the new creative director of Alexander McQueen who had been the designer's right-hand design aide since 1996.

A tour of the Savage Beauty exhibition with curator and author Andrew Bolton

More about this title

• Winner of the 2012 San Francisco Book Festival Photography/Art Book Award
• Winner of the 2012 Independent Publisher Book Award in the Most Outstanding Design category

Andrew Bolton is Curator of The Costume Institute, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Tim Blanks is contributing editor of Style.com and Susannah Frankel is fashion editor of The Independent newspaper.

"An authoritative and moving insight into the legacy of the British designer."—Carola Long, The Financial Times

"The definitive reference of Lee Alexander McQueen."—Dean Mayo Davies, I-D Magazine

"The show and book, Savage Beauty, offer plenty of ammunition to the charge that the fashion and art world will never see the like of Alexander McQueen again." —Laurence Mackin, Irish Times

"A stunning overview of the work of Britain’s favourite designer."—Observer Magazine

"A captivating tribute to the designer’s most radical and beautiful creations… I love all the detail shots which highlight the sheer intricacy of his work."—Claire Brayford, Daily Express

"A super-glossy and utterly gorgeous coffee table tome, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is a must for any fashionista."—Living North

"A sumptuous catalogue……His designs are beautifully interpreted by London-based Norwegian fashion photographer Solve Sundsbo. There is detail enough to satisfy the student of fashion, and striking full-page images that convey McQueen’s sense of style and his flair for dramatic statements."—Eleri Lynn, V & A Magazine

"A stunning book."—Baby & Me Exclusive

"Alexander McQueen, famed for his astonishing and extravagant runaway presentations on the catwalk is revealed extensively in this remarkable book… This goldmine book available in hardcover with lenticular image is a must-have addition to your library and a way of keeping the memory and work of Alexander McQueen alive."—Bite Magazine

Page spreads

Watch the related video

The animation on the book's lenticular jacket.
Artwork and photography: Gary Hulyer.

Related links

Visit the Official Exhibition Page