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 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...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 2012 De Manta Tup floral print silk satin evening clutch bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 2012 De Manta black red Tup floral print silk satin evening clutch bag Reference: TGAS/G00170 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Lee Alexander McQueen Material: Sat...
Alexander McQueen Black Leather Skull Clutch Bag with Crystals
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Krakow, PL
Alexander McQueen Skull Leather Clutch Condition: Very good Description: Alexander McQueen Skull clutch crafted from genuine black leath...
Alexander McQueen Skull Flower Calfskin Crossbody Bag — Black
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, England
This Alexander McQueen East-West crossbody is cut from supple calfskin leather in black. The flap is anchored by a signature jewel-embellished Skull Flower closure in polished metal,...
UNWORN Gucci Limited Edition Flora Print Beaded Embroidered Horsebit Bag Clutch
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI FLORAL FLORA BEADED SIGNATURE HORSEBIT BAG LIMITED EDITON - ONLY VERY FEW PIECES WERE PRODUCED OF THIS GORGEOUS BAG AND SOLD IN FLAGSHIP STORES TO A SELECTED CLIENTELE DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years Timeless classic - a true beauty! Loved by many celebrities From one of GUCCI's most stunning collections in the famous GUCCI FLORA print Very rare Collector's item - only very few pieces were made and sold in selected boutiques Made of real beautiful printed canvas fabric that has been hand-embroidered Beautiful design with flowers and animals A truly luxurious and elegant piece Completely lined with finest green fabric One side pocket inside Horsebit detail Light-golden metal hardware Detachable strap engraved with "Gucci Made in...
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 ...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 2013 Stained Glass Crystal Crown Knuckle Box satin clutch
By Sarah Burton, Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 2013 Stained Glass Crystal Crown Knuckle Box satin clutch Reference: TGAS/G00315 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Collection: Pre-Fall 2013 Material:...
GUCCI Limited Edition Exotic Lizard Satin Flora Print Horsebit Bag Clutch
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
RARE GUCCI FLORAL FLORA PRINT SIGNATURE HORSEBIT BAG DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years Timeless classic - a true beauty! Loved by many celebrities From one of GUCCI's most stunning collections in the famous GUCCI FLORA print Very rare Collector's item - only very few pieces were made and sold in selected boutiques Made of beautiful printed satin fabric Exotic lizard skin trimmings Beautiful FLORA design with flowers and animals A truly luxurious and elegant piece Fully lined One side pocket inside Horsebit detail Light-golden metal hardware Detachable strap engraved with "Gucci Made in Italy...
Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch — Black
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, England
Crocodile-embossed calfskin leather forms the foundation of this Alexander McQueen clutch, defined by a sculptural silver-tone skull clasp enriched with crystals. The semi-matte blac...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2009 Skeleton Kaleidoscope Print Oversized Clutch Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN SS 2009 Iconic Crystal Skeleton Kaleidoscope Print Oversized Clutch Bag Brand/Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Spring Summer 2009 "Natural Dis-tinction,...
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...
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...
Gucci Horsebit 1955 Monogram Denim Crossbody Small Bag
By Gucci
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301771 Comes With Gucci Dust Bag and Additional Strap Model Horsebit 1955 Monogram Serial Number H0******** Metal Gold-Plated Materials Canvas, Calfskin Weight 446 g Length 20 ...
Chanel Classic Double Mini Flap Bag Pink Tweed GHW
By Chanel
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302250 Comes With Chanel Dust bag / Authentic Card Date 2019 Model CF Bag Serial Number 272791** Materials Tweed, Calfskin Condition Excellent Other Info Dimensions: Approximat...
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...
Chanel Gabrielle Small Backpack Green Tweed Calfskin Quilted
By Chanel
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302208 Comes With Chanel Dust bag / Authentic Card Date 2018 Model Gabrielle Serial Number 257758** Materials Calfskin, Tweed Condition Excellent Other Info Dimensions: Approxi...
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.
