British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, the original creative engine behind the Alexander McQueen label, was beloved for his expert tailoring and theatrical runway shows. After his suicide in 2010, fans left tributes to the man and his talents outside Alexander McQueen boutiques worldwide. Record-breaking crowds visited the posthumous retrospective of the designer’s work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert in London.
The inspirations for vintage Alexander McQueen bags, dresses, jackets and other items came from many quarters — film, music, current events, history, his heritage and fashions of the past. The designer's runway presentations were not just displays of clothing but were personal expressions of the zeitgeist, often touching on our cultural anxieties and concerns. McQueen’s own thoughts and feelings about love, death, gender, genocide, colonialism, global warming and the extinction of species all appear in his pieces.
McQueen certainly shook up fashion; he was a born Rottweiler. His upbringing on a council estate in north London played a part, but his family was close and supportive, not dysfunctional. He was proud of his Scottish heritage: He was a defiant fashion warrior. His historical themes and shows — such as “Highland Rape,” 2002, which was inspired by England’s “rape of Scotland,” as McQueen called it — always invoked powerful reactions from his audience of fashion pros.
“What you see in the work is the person himself. And my heart is in my work,” McQueen told Harper’s Bazaar in 2007.
It is perhaps this heart, and the heart’s exposure, that drew the crowds and made McQueen's creations both popular and emotionally resonant. Because the work was personal and thus layered with feeling, the motifs — decorative embellishments and fabric choices — have meaning. In other words, in McQueen’s oeuvre, plaid is more than simply a pattern.
Find vintage Alexander McQueen fashion and accessories — including the designer's coveted bags and comfortable, stretchy jersey knit dresses and gowns — on 1stDibs.
Mary Katrantzou Burgundy Wool Patch Mini Skirt
By Mary Katrantzou
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Mary Katrantzou Burgundy Wool Patch Mini Skirt is a striking and playful addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe. Crafted from luxe burgundy wool, this mini skirt features an ar...
Roberto Cavalli 1990s Black Ruffle Midi Skirt
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into the world of vintage glamour with the Vintage Roberto Cavalli Black Ruffle Midi Skirt. This exquisite piece is not just a skirt; it's a true work of art, showcasing the inimitable style and drama that Roberto Cavalli is renowned for. The perfect midi length is both classic and contemporary, offering a versatile option for any occasion. The stretchy ribbed waistband not only adds comfort but also accentuates the waist, providing a flattering silhouette that you'll adore. However, what truly sets this skirt apart is the cascading black chiffon ruffles. These layers of ruffles are expertly draped to create an aura of drama and elegance, all while enhancing the natural curves of your figure. It's a stunning example of how fashion can be both bold and flattering. The unique black sequin decal at the center of both the front and back adds a touch of femininity, making this skirt a masterpiece of vintage glamour. It's a nod to the extravagance of a bygone era, and it's ready to make a statement wherever you choose to wear it. Style this with a Jean Paul Gaultier top, a Fendi handbag and some Manolo kitten...
Missoni Multicolor Stripe Knit Fringe Mini Skirt
By Missoni
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Embrace bold colors and playful patterns with the Missoni Multicolor Stripe Knit Fringe Mini Skirt. This eye-catching piece features a striking black...
1980s Bernard Perris Couture Silk Crepe High Waisted Skirt
By Bernard Perris Paris
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Make A Statement With This Amazing Piece! Circa late 1980s, this Bernard Perris couture pleated silk crepe skirt is a vibrant red color and features an arched high waisted top hem. F...
1960s Emilio Pucci Pleated Skirt
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Coming in hot! How fun is this orange and yellow 1960s Emilio Pucci skirt?! This skirt is sooo reminiscent of another era! The perfect summer midi skirt has arrived and this one is a 100% cotton a-line skirt with slash pockets at the hip. The way this skirt billows out at the bottom is so elegant and will make you want to dance and twirl the night away! The star of the show is Pucci's signature abstract graphic print, this time compromised of vibrant oranges and yellows on an ivory base to create this flaming hot graphic. Style this with a Dior bustier and some prada kitten heels...
Gucci Tweed Multicolor Plaid Frayed Skirt With Horseshoe Buckle Detailing
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Gucci Tweed Multicolor Plaid Frayed Skirt encapsulates the vibrant essence of autumn with its rich palette of orange, blue, purple, cream, and green. This captivating piece showc...
Alexander McQueen Red & Black Wool Cable Knit Flare Skirt w/ Elastic Waist - M
By Alexander McQueen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Alexander McQueen Red & Black Wool Cable Knit Flare Skirt w/ Elastic Waist - M. This lovely skirt in excellent condition. It is the perfect on-the-go skir...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford F/W 2003 Red Ruffled Wrap Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Red jersey wrap skirt Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford featuring asymmetrical ruffle detailing along the side seam. Constructed from lightweight stretch jersey with a wrap closure secu...
Emanuel Ungaro Red Plissè Short Skirt
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful and elegant skirt signed Emanuel Ungaro, the fabric used is 100% red Rayon. The skirt, short above the knee, goes down tightly on the hips, is entirely pleated horizontally...
Red silk mini skirt with rhinestone button ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red silk mini skirt with rhinestone button . Hidden zip closure on the left side . rhinestone button and buttonhole on the top. Draped on the waist. SIZE XS / SAMPLE
LOU LOU red cotton twill ruffle front high waisted mini skirt XS
Located in Hong Kong, NT
LOU LOU red cotton twill ruffle front high waisted mini skirt XS Reference: AAWC/A01454 Brand: Lou Lou Material: Cotton Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Lining: Red Fabric Extr...
Vintage 2003 Roberto Cavalli Red Silk Maxi Ruffle Skirt
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Vintage 2003 Roberto Cavalli Red Silk Maxi Ruffle Skirt. This silk red skirt feature a long maxi style. Ruffles along the bottom of the skirt in asymmetric styling. In Excellent Vin...
The designer combined his Savile Row training with his fascination with Victorian jewelry to create a most alluring piece.
A striking tartan ensemble from the late designer’s celebrated (and controversial) Fall/Winter 2006 collection is equal parts tailored and punk.
