So yesterday I waited on line over three hours with thousands of other people to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I read that the exhibit is their most popular show ever, so the crowd wasn’t a surprise, especially since it concludes at the end of this weekend. Now, while I normally loathe waiting on line for anything, from the crosstown bus to free ice cream, I have to say, this collection absolutely blew my mind.
They forbid the taking of photos, but of course everyone there, including me and my husband, did so anyway. It was scary though–the guards were pretty ferocious about stopping people. I think my mother, who treated us to the trip, was the only person in the crowd who was actually just taking it all in, sans camera in front of her face, and you’ve got to respect that mindset. But anyway, fearing getting thrown out, I put my iPhone back in my bag and proceeded to sketch some of the pieces, only to be told to knock that off too! (Twice.)
Yup. No sketching, either, which just seemed so mean. With the exhibit nearing its conclusion after running since May, of course everyone there wanted to preserve the experience–and preserve the late, great McQueen–in some physical fashion.
Though I’ve posted a few pics here (below, all taken by the hubby) they don’t do the whole show justice, by any means. But since you know I want to share as much as I could with you guys, I’d best describe the vibe of the show as being trapped inside a beautiful nightmare. I even unconsciously jotted that down on my reporter’s notepad, which I was using to sketch, not having brought a sketchbook with me. The collection was inspired by Tim Burton, which made sense considering the highly elaborate goth gowns dripping with feathers and beading and hair, as well as the not to subtly S&M outfits and accessories. There was a spooky white tree branch headpiece, a skirt made out of wood sticks hat jutted out like a mini-hoopskirt, brocade corsets with matching helmets, and of course plenty of bondage masks in materials ranging from rubber to burlap. And everything was just breathtaking when witnessed up close, including a hologram of a model appearing to float in a filmy gown.
Words just can’t describe it though, so if you’re in the NYC area and can get out to the Metropolitan Museum today, seeing Savage Beauty is well worth the time and effort.
Oh, and one last thing, here’s one of my sketches from the exhibit. Can you believe they were getting mad at people for silly stuff like this?
Wow really like this !
I love everything here!! Following you 😉
Hope you'll visit my blog and support it if you like it!
Kisses
Alinka
http://alinka-fashionblog.com
this was amazing!!!!
when i went it was so crowded. i am dying to get back to ny so i can take my time and fantasize about wearing those insane pieces of art.
xx
fashionbater
i saw this exhibit too! it was so breathtakingly beautiful AND scary at the same time. you got some great shots of the work. p.s. did you know that after exhibits are closed at the met they give away the supplies (like the wallpaper and other materials used to create the scenery) around 2 AM the night after the show is done? i have friends who go collect the goodies and wallpaper their houses! great post! xo
Oh god I wish I could go…!
http://siljeohlala.blogspot.com
So glad you took the pictures anyway. They are lovely to see on here. Following you now.
Maybe you can take a look at my blog and follow it back if you like it 🙂
http://www.ohthesavoirfaire.com
Alexander McQueen is the best of the best. Very fitting to be called Alexander the Great of the fashion world. I love every single bit of creativity, imagination, originality and individuality in his designs. It's very genuine, sophisticated. I love Alexander McQueen.
wow !
http://sarcasmes-et-autres-therapies.blogspot.com/
That's pretty wild that they wouldn't even allow sketching! So weird. PS, that last dress is ahh-mazing!
Wow those guards sounds kind of scary. I think I'd probably cry if they yelled at me for anything! Lucky you getting to see the exhibition. We don't have a lot of that in small town Australia 🙁 And I love your sketch. Amazing xx
wow, thanks for posting these!!! I could not make it there, so I am glad about every glimpse I can get into the exhibition!!!
bisous,
mia
heylilahey.blogspot.com
Very cool…looks like an awesome exhibit and love your description. Sketch looks great!
Looks like a fantatic exhibition!!
x
Michelle
http://www.michellesstylefile.blogspot.com
Oooh wooww!! great exhibition!!
so I would like to see this exhibition! great post and sketch:) xoxoxo
Would have loved to go an see this one! Oh well, so far away. Thanks for sharing. It's funny that everyone's got pictures though 😉 Even sketches were forbidden…LOL!
They got mad over the silliest things. 🙂 But regardless we can still smile and not let the idiots of this world weigh us down 🙂
This is the closest I'll get to see exhibition!
Great post I'm glad to get to at least see these images 🙂
Oh these are absolutely gorgeous 🙂
http://www.clothesmaiden.blogspot.com
Pretty! I believe SJP wore a dress with the tartan print and poof skirt to the met ball a couple of years back, no? My fave from your photos is the 4th one down – it looks like it was inspired by The Little Mermaid – when Arie was washed up onto shore with her fresh legs, cloaked in a piece of cloth, held together by rope.
Thanks for sharing!
Instylation
🙂
we love mcqueeen!
XoXo
H&C from Amsterdam
http://www.sistersandsisters.com