Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

I've been obsessed with owning this book since I saw the exhibit in 2011-- one of my deepest regrets was not buying it right then. Was so happy to see it offered here! It was delivered more quickly than expected and in good shape-- the top corner of the front cover was a little squished (book was shipped in a large box with a DVD and sort of bounced around a bit) but otherwise I am very happy with the purchase overall. The material itself is beyond wonderful. I am reading the introduction to McQueen's career, which is well-written and provides some great insight into the designer's inspirations and influences. The clothes themselves are masterfully crafted, stunning and intricate, a true feast for the eyes. This book makes me feel like I own a McQueen which is nice because in reality I could hardly afford such riches. The photos are masterfully edited-- what at first blush looks like a scuff or a ding on a mannequin is actually the figure of a woman 'showing through' the white, painted skin which brings a new level of interest to each page. I've flipped through the photos and quotes, and although there are a few layouts that aren't great (pp170-1 for one should not have been a two page spread or the bodice of the dress should have been canted off to the side a bit) the experience of opening this magical volume and flipping through the pages is just that-- magical. Even if you missed the exhibit, if you appreciate fashion as art this book is worth purchasing.

When McQueen died, there seemed to be hole in fashion. One of the greatest creative minds had simply vanished and it felt like we had lost years of future innovation. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty reminds us that although the man has past, his efforts and influence on sartorial innovation never will. I read this entire tome in a single day. And having read it, I feel much more connected to McQueen than ever before. It is a publication that not only chronicles his life but, explores his processes, his techniques, his innovation and of course, his legacy. And despite the collection of quotes, deep biographical writings and insight, this book is not so much about the words but, the images. The Met have captured the true essence of McQueen through visual displays of his aesthetic and mindset. From flowing gowns that look ethereal across a double page spread, to the finest detail of a mannequin's skin tone, it all resembles a dream, the surreal fantasy that McQueen bought the world. This book, with its comprehensive look at the past and optimistic and exciting look into McQueen's future through Sarah Burton, is something you must really buy for yourself. I cannot be in New York for the exhibition but, have a little piece of the real McQueen with me. And my never ending admiration for him is enhanced through this book. A great homage to the genius that was and ever will be, McQueen.

Silly me, I waited until the very last night of the McQueen exhibit at the Met to go. And then I stood in line, by myself, for 4 hours. I got really, really well acquainted with the exhibits the line snaked by. I stood there sweating in the hot galleries. And, around 1 a.m., I finally got to see the exhibit -- and it was worth all of the waiting. The Met always does an incredible job with its costume exhibits, but this was really a step above the rest, and the McQueen pieces displayed were, of course, stunning. This coffee table book is a great way to experience the exhibit, if you missed it (it is also great for making people jealous, if you saw it and they didn't). The front cover is a gorgeous hologram, and the photos and stories really capture each piece. This is also excellent to supplement the exhibit experience, if you were unable to read all of the plaques fully (which, toward the end of the exhibit's run, I doubt many people had the patience to do). Overall, a stunning book.

I've always been a bit skeptical of Mr.McQeen. His fashions are not wearable for 99.99% of us. But I started collecting Asian Ball Jointed Dolls last year and, after looking at fashions for them to make, I have a new respect for this kind of art. The book is very well written, and the clothes are presented beautifully. There is a lot of fabulous inspiration for those in the fashion, jewelry, or accessories industries. It is a brown cloth covered book with a hologram of the skull you see that morphs into Alexander McQueen. Very clever, some might consider it in poor taste, considering his passing. But it actually is quite in keeping with his style. Someone famous once said "there is no good art without an element of death," and I agree, even if it just a bit of asymmetry. It is quite evident here. The models and mannequins look a bit like corpses and there are feathers and scales and skulls galore. Why aren't they still on the animals? But it looks damn good. If that's something that turns you off, you may not like this book. The new designer in charge of his label cannot touch this stuff. We truly lost an icon.

This book is beautiful and does justice to the creative genius that is McQueen. It has an amazing holographic cover that shimmers between the iconic McQueen skull, and an intense photo of McQueen himself. It's a heavy book, feels very sturdy, and is bound with a cloth material, kind of like grosgrain. The pages inside or beautiful, filled with crisp, clean, vibrant photographs of McQueens work. I've been a fan of McQueen for years, so to see some of his most iconic works in person at the Met exhibit - it was really special. I had to have this book to prolong the memory of what I saw at the exhibit. Looking at the photographs, I can visualize to great detail the clothes, the hats, the shoes that were shown. If you weren't able to go to the exhibit, this book really is an amazing substitute. The text is wonderfully written and really complements the photographs, and well, you'll fall in love with McQueen as you peruse Savage Beauty.

This item came in perfect condition!!! I’m super happy with it! Thank you to the shipper for packaging this book with care! Appreciate it very much!!! 5 stars for sure!!!

If you are looking for a coffee table book, look no further. This book is beautifully put together. Needless to say that McQueen’s designs are beautiful works of art. It also has that awesome holographic cover. You will not be disappointed.

Beautiful beautiful beautiful. I was collecting McQueen pieces for a few years before his passing, and remember distinctly waking up to the news of his death. So devastating in so many ways. It was hard to digest as a serious fan and admirer, and was also hard to imagine the house continuing at all. Any successor named would surely seem to be heresy. But Sarah Burton has taken the brand and really continued in the tradition we have all come to know and love. Naturally it is missing the hard edge and dark beauty that seemed to permeate many of the collections, but feminine beauty that is has been replaced with is definitely much appreciated and loved! This book is a beautiful tribute to the designer and his work and a must own for any fashion fan and especially any McQueen fan. No other published homage even comes close a this point. This is the defining tome.