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 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...
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...
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Leopard Print Silk Sunflower Clutch Baguette
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Leopard Print Silk Sunflower Clutch Baguette in excellent condition. Leopard print silk trimmed with gold leather...
Alexander McQueen blue clutch pochette
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Capri, IT
Alexander McQueen blue clutch pochette
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 ...
VALENTINO brown calf hair LEOPARD GLAM LOCK MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino Rockstud Glam Lock flap bag in dark brown, brown and ivory calf hair features edgy, oversized pyramid studs in light gold-tone. A chain-link pull-through str...
Alexander McQueen Yellow Skull Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Krakow, PL
Bold and edgy Alexander McQueen clutch in yellow python leather with colorblock design. Features iconic skull detail, gold-tone hardware, crystal embellishments, and a convenient han...
Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag
By Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag...
Alexander McQueen minaudiere bag
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN -(Made in Italy) Shiny purple and green mink minaudiere bag with a clip fastener on a silvery metal rigid frame topped with a rhinestones skull. A Collection under ...
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 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...
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Teal Leather Chain Medium Shoulder Bag
By Bulgari
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301675 Comes With Dandelion Authenticity Guarantee Card Only Model Serpenti Forever Serial Number 27****** Metal Gold-Plated Materials Calfskin Stones Enamel Condition Excellen...
Céline Triomphe Besace Clea Calfskin Black Handbag
By Celine
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301318 Comes With Celine Box, Dust Bag and Dandelion Authenticity Guarantee Only Model Triomphe Small Metal Gold-Plated Materials Calfskin Condition Excellent Other Info Approx...
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Emerald Green Leather Chain Medium Shoulder Bag
By Bulgari
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301650 Comes With Bvlgari Dust bag, Bvlgari Authenticity Card and Care booklet Date 2018 Model Serpenti Forever Serial Number 27****** Metal Gold-Plated Materials Calfskin Ston...
Céline Folco Cuir Triomphe Calfskin Tan Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77701319 Comes With Dandelion Authenticity Guarantee Card Only RRP £1,650 Incl. Taxes / €1,800 Incl. Taxes / $2,200 Excl. Taxes Model Cuir Triomphe Materials Calfskin, Suede Cond...
CHANEL Jumbo Black Calfskin Caviar Double Flap Bag with GHW
By Chanel
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-1615 Brand Chanel Model Timeless Classic Double Flap Serial No. 16****** Color Black RRP: Approx. £8140 / $9500 ______________________________________________________________...
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.
