Alexander McQueen: A Mixture of Two Cultures
By Michelle Taylor
Photos by Giovanni Pucci

MILAN, Jun 30, 2004/ FW/ --- Straight from today’s headlines, Alexander McQueen’s debut on the Milan runway for his eponymous menswear line proposed that east and west can meet to bring world peace starting at the most unexpected place – the catwalk.

"It is a political statement as well as a sartorial one - a mixture of two cultures that are separate but, here, can be mixed harmoniously," the iconoclastic designer told reporters. And what a beautiful mix it was!

McQueen who is known for his meticulous attention to details did not leave anything to chance, including the models. Instead of using professional catwalkers, the London-based designer ‘imported’ military cadets from West Point for their ‘military bearing,’ and personally handpicked Asian lads to show off the eastern influence of the collection.

And Alexander McQueen proved once again that his instincts are right. The military cadets were ‘naturals’ in wearing the military inspired clothes. From the simple gray suit worn with a mustard shirt and paired with a garrison cap to the yellow flight suits with leather harnesses, even the olive green duffle bag decorated the photo of a woman --- everything came together wonderfully under McQueen’s masterful styling and execution.

The eastern influence could be seen from the tie-dyed and intricately printed fabrics to the all white close cut jacket with demi-Nehru collar.

What is interesting is McQueen’s take on the ‘military boots’ that became an all white lace up number with keyholes to an olive green cloth and leather combo.

Yet, the most creative of all is the iconoclastic designer’s convergence of the east and west influence on the ‘camouflage.’ The model was body painted in bright pink and wore an olive green hooded army inspired raincoat that was patch-worked and embroidered paired with khaki tights with eastern prints.

Ah, if only Hawkeye can see this! With the theme song from MASH as background music, and goggles, gas masks and berets as the dominant accessories, Alexander McQueen’s message is clear… ‘We should all get along!’

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen