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 FW 99 Iconic and Rare Striped Redingote Jacket
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Milano, MILANO
Fall Winter 1999 iconic and rare striped redingote jacket from 'N 13' Collection by Alexander McQueen. Anatomical sleeves with lapel. Deep slit at tail. Fully lined with jacquard log...
$3,995
Size: US 8, UK 10
F/W 1990 John Galliano Runway Black White Striped Zip Bustle Jacket US 8, UK 10
By John Galliano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black and white striped John Galliano London jacket. From the Fall/Winter 1990 'Fencing' collection, this beautiful jacket d...
Vivienne Westwood black striped wool Armour Jacket, fw 1989
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood, black and white striped wool Armour Jacket. Detachable sleeves with leather buckles, embroidered Orb on chest and signature Westwood buttons. Time Machine, Fall-W...
Jean Paul Gaultier Runway Double-Breasted Cape-Effect Blazer Jacket, SS2012
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Geneva, CH
Jean Paul Gaultier's creations always have this unexpected twist that make them both recognizable and unique. Made of navy wool (49%) and rayon (51%), this double-breasted blazer features a daring open back and slits along the sleeves that create an elegant cape effect. Worn as a blazer or a mini mini dress, this vintage Jean Paul Gaultier piece has peaked lapels, faux pockets and covered buttons. The lining is printed in it's iconic classic Breton stripes...
Alexander McQueen New Grey and Pink Striped Jacket F/W 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A grey and pink gradated striped wool jacket by Alexander McQueen. It is double breasted with grey buttons at front and 3 at each cuff. There is light shoulder padding, flap pocket...
$786
W 14.97 in L 24.81 in
Pin striped wool and linen double breasted jacket with belt JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pin striped double breasted wool and linen jacket with belt . One breast Pocket + 2 side pocket with flap. Shoulder pad. Cotton lining only inside the shoulder and sleeves. Button an...
Cotton single-breasted jacket with striped pattern THIERRY MUGLER COUTURE
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Cotton single-breasted jacket with striped pattern . Fabric composition: 75% cotton, 25% rayon. Silk lining. Thin Shoulder pad. One button and buttonhole closure on the middle front....
$5,346
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Vivienne Westwood striped wool cropped blazer and corseted skirt suit, ss 1994
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood skirt suit ▪ 69% Wool, 31% Cotton ▪ Black, Navy, Brown and White stripes ▪ Doubled breasted cropped blazer jacket ▪ High waist mini wrap skirt with built-in corse...
$240Sale Price|20% Off
SACAI deconstructed nautical stripe detached corset belt flare coat JP3 L
By Sacai, Chitose Abe
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SACAI deconstructed nautical stripe detached corset belt flare coat JP3 L Reference: CNPG/A00026 Brand: Sacai Designer: Chitose Abe Material: Cotton, Silk Color: Navy, White Pattern:...
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière SS 2005 Runway Striped Military Blazer Jacket
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Toronto, Ontario
From the highly sought-after Spring 2005 runway “Sailor” collection and featured in the ad campaign worn by Gisele, this navy striped military jacket is a standout example of Nicolas...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Jacket Mint Condition
By Thierry Mugler
Located in New York, NY
Thierry Mugler vintage jacket Mint looks unworn condition Size 42 Color is off white please see pictures Final sale
Rare Comme Des Garçons Peplum Jacket AD 1986
By Comme des Garçons
Located in New York, NY
Very Rare Comme Des Garçons structured peplum jacket . Excellent condition. Size S. Same as seen at CDG add Made in Japan. FINAL SALE
Stefano Pilati For YSL Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010 Coat NEW
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Stefano Pilati For YSL Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010 coat. Beautiful coat with sculptural shape & unfussy French frill , perfection and pure simple Parisian flair. This garme...
ISSEY MIYAKE 1990's Runway "Zipper" Suit
By Issey Miyake
Located in New York, NY
Issey Miyake runway zipper suit.Very unique interesting design. Jacket has multiple zippers, on the collar, sleeve and one large zipper that goe...
Rare Balmain Spring 2009 RTW Crystals And Faux Pearls Embellished Jacket 36 FR
By Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Balmain By Christophe Decarnin 2009 runway black jacket with crystals and faux pearls. Size 36FR Made in France. Excellent condition.Fab...
John Galliano Skirt Suit SZ 6US
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano suit Size 6US Excellent condition Skirt: Waist 29" Length 28" hem is uneven cut Hips 38" Jacket Underarm 38" Waist 31" Sleeve 27.5" FINAL SALE
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.
