The documentary McQueen, released in 2018, provides an in-depth look into the life and career of British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who rose from humble beginnings in East London to become a world-renowned creative force. Through a mix of archival footage, interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, and never-before-seen home videos and interviews with McQueen himself, the film offers a intimate and often haunting exploration of the designer's personal and professional journey.
Director Ian Bonhôte and writer Peter Ettedgui chart McQueen's trajectory from his early days as a shy, working-class boy who found solace in sewing and creating clothes, to his meteoric rise to fame as the enfant terrible of the fashion world, known for his daring and surreal designs and provocative runway shows. Along the way, the film addresses some of the darker aspects of McQueen's life, including his struggles with addiction, depression, and the trauma of losing his beloved mentor and friend, Isabella Blow.
What sets McQueen apart from other documentaries about fashion designers is its emphasis on the creative process. Bonhôte and Ettedgui offer a deep dive into McQueen's imagination, exploring the themes and inspirations behind some of his most iconic designs and showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into making them. The film also features interviews with some of McQueen's closest collaborators, including his longtime assistant and friend, Sarah Burton, who took over as creative director of his eponymous label after his death in 2010.
Throughout the film, McQueen emerges as a complex and compelling figure, whose fierce passion and relentless pursuit of beauty made him both an innovator and a provocateur. McQueen is ultimately a moving tribute to a singular talent whose vision and legacy continue to inspire and challenge the world of fashion.
