Alexander McQueen decided to left the school at the age of 16. It usually is not a good move, but in the case of young Alexander it was a brilliant move.
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He was offered an apprenticeship at the Saville Row tailors Anderson and Shephard and then at Gieves and Hawkes, both masters in the technical construction of clothing.
From there Mr. McQueen moved to the theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans where he mastered the razor sharp tailoring which has become his signature. Four years later he was employed by the designer Koji Tatsuno, who also had his roots in British tailoring. Moving at the speed of light, Mr. McQueen travelled to Milan next year where he was employed as Romeo Giglis design assistant. He finally returned to London in 1994 where he completed a Masters degree in Fashion Design at St. Martins. His degree collection was bought by Isabella Blow.
Alexander McQueen is known for both the emotional power and raw energy of the shows as well as the romantic but determinedly contemporary nature of the collections. Mr. McQueen uses contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity. Alexander's collections are the combination of a working knowledge of British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture and the finish of Italian manufacturing.
In less than 10 years McQueen became one of the most respected fashion designers in the world. In October 1996 he was appointed Chief Designer at the French Haute Couture House Givenchy where he worked until March of 2001. In December 2000, 51% of Alexander McQueen was acquired by the Gucci Group, where he remains as Creative Director. Alexander McQueen collections are now distributed in over 39 countries through 194 wholesale accounts including speciality shops and better department stores.
Alexander McQueen received several awards: British Designer of the year 1996, 1997, 2001, and 2003, International Designer of the Year by The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2003, A Most Excellent Commander of The British Empire (CBE) by her Majesty the Queen in 2003, and the Fashion and Grooming Awards - Fashion Directors Award 2007 for McQ. Menswear designer of the Year by GQ in September 2007.
Thus having said, what are you waiting for? Visit the man. ■