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.
Rare 1990s Kenzo Jungle Cheetah Leopard Print High Waisted Slim Fit Pants Sz 38
By Kenzo, Kenzo Jungle
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing and rare 90s vintage KENZO high waisted slim fitted 'running cheetahs' tailored skinny trousers! Incredibly flattering fit! Features dozens of running cheetahs / leopards thr...
New Derek Lam Size 8 Black and White Feather Print Pajama Style Silk Pants
By DEREK LAM
Located in San Diego, CA
New DEREK LAM black and white abstract feather print pajama style low rise silk pants! Features a flattering allover feather print. Sit low on the waist, with pockets at each side of...
Yves Saint Laurent Fall 1984 Trompe l’oeil Black and White Lace Print Silk Pants
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare vintage YSL Fall 1984 black and white trompe l’oeil black and white lace print silk trousers ! Features an all over black and white lace print. Pockets at each side of the hips....
Valentino SS2016 Silk Fantastic Animals Print Drawstring PJ Style Trousers Pants
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Marked Size Medium Model in video is US Size 6, and 5’8 feet tall Measurements: 31-38 inch waist (drawstring elastic waistband) 42 inch hips A striking and collectible creation from Valentino Spring/Summer 2016, these luxurious silk drawstring pajama style trousers showcase the house’s iconic “Fantastic Animals” print—an intricate, storybook-inspired menagerie of flamingos, owls, monkeys, butterflies, frogs, birds, elephants, and mythical creatures rendered in rich jewel tones against a dramatic dark ground. Cut from 100% fluid silk twill, these trousers glide over the body with a feather-light feel and an effortless drape. The elasticized drawstring waist offers comfort without sacrificing polish, while the slim tapered leg creates a flattering, modern silhouette that works equally well dressed up or styled casually. POCKETS at each side of the waist, and one on the rear. These pants are featured in your video styling paired alongside a Stella McCartney black silk button-down, demonstrating how effortlessly these trousers transition into elevated evening or editorial looks. The additional photographs styled alongside Hermès sandals and Chanel sandals further showcase their versatility—from relaxed resort glamour to luxe city dressing. Wear them with: • A crisp silk blouse and heels for evening cocktails • A tailored blazer for modern power dressing • A minimalist tank and statement sandals for warm-weather resort styling • A chunky knit and boots for fall layering contrast A true conversation piece that fuses romantic fantasy, Italian craftsmanship, and timeless Valentino elegance—perfect for collectors, stylists, and fashion connoisseurs seeking standout designer silk. In great unworn condition Made in Italy Marked Size Medium Model in video is US Size 6, and 5’8 feet tall Measurements: 31-38 inch waist (drawstring elastic waistband) 42 inch hips ✅ Details • Designer: Valentino • Collection: Spring/Summer 2016 • Fabric: 100% Silk • Made in Italy • Elastic drawstring waist • Pull-on style • Lightweight, fluid twill finish • Condition: Excellent ⸻ Valentino Fantastic Animals pants, Valentino silk trousers...
1960s Emilio Pucci Crushed Velour Blue + Green Kaleidoscope 60s Stirrup Pants
By Emilio Pucci
Located in San Diego, CA
MUSUEM PIECE! Rare 1960s vintage EMILIO PUCCI signature kaleidoscope print crushed velour stirrup pants! Features the classic Pucci signature throughout....
Vintage Moschino Couture Tree Bark + Hearts 1990s Novelty Flared Hem Trousers
By Moschino Couture, Moschino
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful vintage 90s MOSCHINO COUTURE brown and black 'tree bark and hearts' printed flared leg pants! Awesome novelty print, with an equally impressive fit! Mid-rise crotch, with f...
Alexander McQueen S/S 2009 Crystal Kaleidoscope Skeleton Print Leggings XS
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Alexander McQueen for the Spring Summer 2009 "Natural Dis-tinction, Un-Natural Selection" collection. Features the now iconic skeleton print formed by a symmetric crystal...
Alexander McQueen S/S 2009 Crystal Kaleidoscope Skeleton Print Leggings L
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Alexander McQueen for the Spring Summer 2009 "Natural Dis-tinction, Un-Natural Selection" collection. Features the now iconic skeleton print formed by a symmetric crystal...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN McQ c.2012 Black White X Ray Print Skeleton Leggings Pants
By Sarah Burton
Located in Thiensville, WI
McQ by Alexander McQueen c.2012 X-ray print leggings. Elastic waist band. Black and white abstract x-ray print. Marked Fabric Content: "80% Polyester, 20% Elastane". Marked Size: "38...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2012 Abstract X-Ray Skeleton Print Leggings Black White
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2012 Abstract X-Ray Skeleton Print Leggings Black White Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen / McQ Circa: 2012 Style: Le...
Alexander McQueen 2009 Runway Pink and Grey Crystal Kaleidoscope Print Leggings
By Alexander McQueen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage 2000s Alexander McQueen iconic crystal print leggings in a kaleidoscopic pattern of pink, grey, white and black from the Spring/Summer 2009 collection, "Natural Dis-tinction...
90s Gianni Versace Couture Baroque Print Stretch Jersey Leggings
By Versace Jeans Couture
Located in London, GB
1990's Gianni Versace Couture leggings are made from stretch-jersey and decorated with the brand's iconic 'Baroque' print. They're cut with a high-rise, logo waistband, Made in Italy...
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.
