Alexander McQueen A/W 2001 Description

As Marilyn Manson’s “Disposable Teens” blasts out of the speakers, models strut along the round runway looking like a cross between a heroin addict and a 1920’s flapper. There are trips and stumbles but nothing can take away from the atmosphere that is created by the music, lights and fantastic clothes by Alexander McQueen in his Autumn/Winter 2001 collection. The contrast between the hard rock music, children laughing and light, twinkly music sends a shiver down my spine as connotations of old-fashioned horror films enter my mind.

After the long PVC coats, bare-breasted models and dresses made entirely of see-through lace have fiercely carried themselves off the catwalk, the lights go out. Complete darkness. Children’s laughter is heard and as the lights go up; old, broken, terrifying toys start to move to the right of the catwalk. They almost look alive. Models emerge from around the catwalk, which has turned into more of a stage at a theatre, than a fashion show.

Faces are painted like sad clowns contrasting to the extravagant garments that are worn. The image that stands out in my head most; a model, dragging a golden skeleton by her foot, walks two-and-fro along the catwalk, adds a morbidly glamorous tone to McQueen’s already gloomy show.