The Museum
of
Savage Beauty

The Museum of Savage Beauty explores the hidden stories and craftsmanship behind some of the most remarkable objects made by Alexander McQueen and his creative collaborators. Here the designer's iconic pieces are placed alongside historical objects from the V&A’s collections, which represent some of the many design traditions that inspired him

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Art and Religion

McQueen often referenced art historical works in his garments. He favoured the painters of fifteenth-century Northern Europe, including Hans Memling, Robert Campin and Hieronymus Bosch.
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Art and Religion
Art and Religion

Nature and Organic Materials

Alexander McQueen’s fascination with the elemental—earth, wind, fire and water—imbued his collections with primordial drama. Nature and its materials were a constant in McQueen’s work.
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Nature and Organic Materials
Nature and Organic Materials

London and the World

McQueen once said, ‘London’s where I was brought up. It’s where my heart is and where I get my inspiration’. London was at the centre of McQueen’s world.
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London and the World
London and the World

Memento Mori

Memento mori are images and symbols which are intended to both memorialise the deceased and remind one of death. The V&A’s collections contain many examples, from reliquaries designed to hold a saint’s remains, to rings and other jewellery made from human hair.
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Memento Mori
Memento Mori

Tailoring

Between 1984 and 1988 McQueen was an apprentice with Savile Row tailors Anderson and Sheppard where he learnt to cut jackets, then Gieves & Hawkes, where he gained expertise in cutting trousers.
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Tailoring
Tailoring