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.
Alexander McQueen Embellished Skull Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Montgomery, TX
Alexander McQueen Embellished Skull Clutch – Gilded Glamour with Gothic Edge A dazzling fusion of artistry and attitude, this Alexander McQueen clutch is a show-stopping statement p...
Alexander McQueen Crystal Lace Four-Ring Knuckle Box Clutch Bag Collector piece
By Alexander McQueen
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
This Alexander McQueen Skull Four-Ring Lace Box Clutch Bag is an absolute dream for anyone looking for a serious statement piece. It is a stunning, ultra-rare collector's item and a...
Alexander McQueen Python Knuckle Duster Box Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in PARIS, FR
An extraordinary creation from the final years of Alexander McQueens lifetime, this Knuckle Box Clutch represents the height of his craft. Made from genuine python skin, the surface ...
Alexander McQueen Skull Leopard Print Pony Hair Box Clutch Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Alexander McQueen Skull Leopard Print Pony Hair Box Clutch Bag Box frame silhouette clutch bag crafted from pony hair calfskin in leopard print. Adorned with the br...
Maison Du Posh, Piercing skull clutch in pink python.
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Maison Du Posh, Piercing skull clutch in pink python. This item is new and comes with dustbag.
Valentino Pink Satin Clutch on Chain Crystal Evening Bag 863348
By Valentino
Located in Dix hills, NY
VERY GOOD CONDITION (8/10 or AB) (Outside) Minor rubbing (Inside) Minor marks Width (inch) : 8.85 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 22.5 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 5.11 inch(approx) Heigh...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Union Jack Skull Clutch bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2431 Model Union Jack Skull Clutch Condition Excellent Other Info Shoulder Strap Drop: 23“ Height: 4" Width: 6.5" Depth: 2.25" _______________________________ If you are inter...
Maison Du Posh, Knuckle ring clutch in beige python.
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Maison Du Posh, Knuckle ring clutch in beige python. This item is new and comes with dustbag.
$1,332Sale Price|35% Off
New Alexander McQueen Resort 2020 Satin Clutch Bag $2050 With Tags
By Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New With Tags Alexander McQueen Embroidered Satin De Manta Clutch Bag $2050 Resort 2020 Alexander McQueen's Iconic De Manta Clutch Stunning in Black Satin and Pink Embroidery ...
Gucci Pink Dollar Calfskin Crystal Super Mini Dionysus Flap
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Gucci Pink Dollar Calfskin Crystal Super Mini Dionysus Flap SKU: 150593 MSRP: 1100.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Taking the fashion sphere by sto...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2013 Gold Glitter Leather Metal Knuckle Ring Duster Clutch
By Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2013 Designer: Sarah Burton Manufacturer Style Name: Skull Four Ring Clutch Style: Clutch Handbag Color(s): Shades of gold, brown Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Leather (lining), metal (hardware) Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen circa 2013 knuckle ring duster box clutch. Long rectangular hardshell box exterior. Gold metallic glitter exterior. Large gold-toned metal skull and gemstone feature ring clasp at top of bag; gold-toned metal hardware around opening of bag. Four knuckle-ring sculpted skull hardware embellished with crystals; single large clear gemstone ring detail. Single long interior compartment. Brown leather interior lining with “Alexander McQueen Made In...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2013 Metallic Oil Slick Leather Knuckle Ring Duster Clutch
By Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2013 Designer: Sarah Burton Manufacturer Style Name: Skull Four Ring Clutch Style: Clutch Handbag Color(s): Shades of gray, purple, green, yellow, blue Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Leather (exterior/lining), metal (hardware) Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen circa 2013 knuckle ring duster box clutch. Long rectangular hardshell box exterior. Leather exterior; metallic multicolor oil slick design on outside of bag. Large gunmetal-toned metal skull and gemstone feature ring clasp at top of bag; gunmetal-toned metal hardware around opening of bag. Four knuckle-ring sculpted skull hardware embellished with crystals; single large clear gemstone ring detail. Single long interior compartment. Burgandy leather interior lining with “Alexander McQueen Made In...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2012 Black Leather Spine Bones Embossed Oversized Clutch Bag
By Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2012 Black Leather Spine Bones Embossed Oversized Clutch Bag Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2012 Designer: Sarah Burton Style: Oversized Clutch Bag Color(s): Black; Shades of Gold (hardware) Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Leather (exterior); Twill fabric (interior); Metal (hardware) Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen circa 2012 Black leather skeletal embossed oversized leather clutch...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2009 Skeleton Kaleidoscope Print Oversized Clutch Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN SS 2009 Iconic Crystal Skeleton Kaleidoscope Print Oversized Clutch Bag Brand/Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Spring Summer 2009 "Natural Dis-tinction,...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN F/W 2009 Black Crinkled Patent Leather Large Trash Bag Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN F/W 2009 Black Crinkled Patent Leather Large Trash Bag Clutch RARE Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: F/W 2009 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Oversized Clutch Bag Color(s): Exterior: Black. Interior: Red Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Leather (exterior); Twill fabric (interior); Metal (hardware) Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen F/W 2009 "The Horn of Plenty" runway collection. Black crinkled patent leather material; designed to mimic the look and feel of a trash bag. Oversized leather clutch...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2008 "Flapper Novak" Black Leather Large Clutch Purse Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2008 "Flapper Novak" Black Leather Large Clutch Purse Bag Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2008 "Flapper Novak" D...
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.
