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.
Junya Watanabe black leather and wool corseted jacket cape, fw 2011
By Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons black leather corseted button-up jacket with two front zip pockets and attached wool cape. Fall-Winter 2011
rare Gareth Pugh Black Leather Biker Vest w/ Cape Jacket IT 36 XS Y2K Archive
By Gareth Pugh
Located in San Diego, CA
Archive Gareth Pugh Biker Vest w/ Cape in Black Leather Jacket Size: IT 36 (Fits approximately like a US 2 / XS) This hybrid silhouette is a striking reimagining of the classic mo...
NWT 2010 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black leather seamed 'PLATO'S ATLANTIS' runway jacket
By Alexander McQueen
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 leather jacket in jet black. Made from incredibly soft leather with a beautiful smooth finish that catches the light. The construction is exceptional, w...
Rick Owens Lilies Sculptural Black Leather Jacket New Tags
By Rick Owens
Located in Boca Raton, FL
American designer Rick Owens is known for his provocative, darkly enchanting aesthetic. Although he is often referred to as fashion’s “Lord of Darkness,” Owen’s is just as capable of delivering the light, modest, and elegant as he is the taboo, dark, and gothic. He was awarded a CFDA lifetime achievement award in 2017, and is one of the only successful independent fashion designers in the world today. A celebrity favorite with a cult following, his work has been described as “equal parts grunge and glamor” by Vouge and his designs have been worn by the likes of Rhianna, Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, and Timothée Chalamet...
Rick Owens Lilies Sculptural Black Leather Jacket New Tags
By Rick Owens
Located in Boca Raton, FL
American designer Rick Owens is known for his provocative, darkly enchanting aesthetic. Although he is often referred to as fashion’s “Lord of Darkness,” Owen’s is just as capable o...
Chado Ralph Rucci Black Silk Cape
By Chado Ralph Rucci, Ralph Rucci
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Chado Ralph Rucci is an American designer renowned for his unparalleled craftsmanship and architectural precision, blending minimalism with dramatic elegance. Inspired by fine art an...
2000s Alexander McQueen Black Leather Woven Leather Corset Top
By Alexander McQueen
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Alexander McQueen harness from the 2000s is cut in a fitted silhouette with wide shoulder straps and a contoured underbust shape. It is ...
Christian Lacroix leather cape
By Christian Lacroix Paris
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Black inside-out leather fringed cape. Size M. To be mentioned, snags on the lining. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 85 cm SKU:M50
Valentino Boutique Cape Black Angora Wool Knit Caplet High Collar 1980s OSFM EUC
By Valentino
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
An elegant and highly wearable vintage Valentino Boutique cape, most likely dating to the early 1980s. Crafted in Italy from a luxuriously soft black angora wool–blend knit (no fabri...
Maison Martin Margiela AW 2008 Black Leather Jacket
By Maison Martin Margiela
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
This Maison Martin Margiela Autumn Winter 2008 black leather jacket is a striking exploration of silhouette and construction, instantly recognisable as one of the house’s most memora...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD "Anglomania" c.1990's Black Leather Asymmetrical Wrap Jacket
By Vivienne Westwood, ANGLOMANIA by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Located in Thiensville, WI
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD "Anglomania" c.1990's Black Leather Asymmetrical Wrap Jacket Brand / Manufacturer: Vivienne Westwood Collection: Anglomania c. 1990's Designer: Vivienne Westwood S...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 1999 “The Overlook” Black Gray Knit Turtleneck Poncho Cape
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 1999 “The Overlook” Black Gray Knit Turtleneck Poncho Cape Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: A/W 1999 “The Overlook” Designer: Alexander McQu...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2002 "Supercalifragilistic" Leather Harness Skirt Suit Set
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2002 "Supercalifragilistic" 2 Piece Black Skirt Suit Set - Look #15 Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn/Winter 2002 Design...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2002 "Dance of the Twisted Bull" Black Cold Shoulder Top
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Alexander McQueen S/S 2002 black open/cold shoulder top. From Alexander McQueen's "Dance of the Twisted Bull" collection. Low scoop neckline....
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1997 “La Poupee” Black Single Closure Cutaway Dress Jacket
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1997 “La Poupee” Black Single Closure Cutaway Dress Jacket Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: S/S 1997 “La Poupe...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1999 "No. 13" Black Asymmetrical Draped Ruffle Mini Skirt
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1999 "No. 13" Black Asymmetrical Draped Ruffle Mini Skirt Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Spring/Summer 1999 "No. 13" Label(s): "Alexander ...
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.
