Alexander McQueen
1992
Lee Alexander McQueen
London, UK
Kering
Sarah Burton
Alexander McQueen is a renowned British fashion house founded by designer Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992. Acquired by Gucci Group (now Kering) in 2000, the brand offers ready-to-wear collections for men and women, accessories, eyewear, and fragrances. Its diffusion line McQ targets younger audiences.
Brand History
Lee Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) was born in London’s working-class East End as the youngest of six children. Showing early talent, he sketched designs during school and made clothes for his sisters. At 16, he apprenticed on Savile Row, learning tailoring at prestigious houses like Anderson & Sheppard and Gieves & Hawkes.
After working with Japanese designer Koji Tatsuno and Italian designer Romeo Gigli, McQueen enrolled at Central Saint Martins, earning his MA in Fashion Design in 1992. His graduate collection caught fashion editor Isabella Blow’s attention, beginning their influential friendship.
Launching his label in 1992, McQueen gained fame for provocative designs like “Bumster” low-rise trousers. After becoming Givenchy’s creative director in 1996 (following John Galliano), he won four British Designer of the Year awards.
Following Gucci Group’s 2000 acquisition, McQueen expanded globally while maintaining creative control. He introduced menswear in 2004 and launched the McQ diffusion line in 2006. Iconic accessories like the skull-embellished clutches became signature pieces.
After McQueen’s tragic death in 2010, Sarah Burton succeeded as creative director. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2011 “Savage Beauty” retrospective celebrated his legacy, later exhibited at London’s V&A Museum.
Timeline
- 1969: Lee Alexander McQueen born in London
- 1992: Launches label after graduating from Central Saint Martins
- 1996: Appointed Givenchy creative director
- 2000: Gucci Group acquires majority stake
- 2004: Debuts menswear collection
- 2006: Launches McQ diffusion line
- 2010: McQueen passes away; Sarah Burton succeeds
- 2011: “Savage Beauty” exhibition at Metropolitan Museum of Art
- 2015: “Savage Beauty” at Victoria and Albert Museum
- 2018: McQueen documentary released
Signature Collections
Satchel Collection
Pin Collection
Knuckle Box
Skull Box
Padlock
Bucket
