by Shadia

Alexander McQueen

/ Shopping / Fashion Designers /

Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines enfant terrible as a usually young and successful person who is strikingly unorthodox, innovative and avant-garde. Enfant terrible is the term Alexander McQueen has been nicknamed by the press and it's no wonder. With his striking, innovative designs and unorthodox manners at his shows, he has proved he does not conform to the established doctrines of fashion, nor will he let the conformists get in his way. Alexander McQueen is the definition of creativity and artistry in the world of fashion.

Born Lee Alexander McQueen in London's East End and son of a taxi driver, McQueen changed his name when launching his fashion career at the advice of Isabella Blow, an influential fashion stylist, who would become McQueen's friend, business consultant and muse. At the age of 16, McQueen got an apprenticeship on London's Saville Row, a famous shopping street in London known for it's traditional, custom-made men's clothing. In 1994, McQueen enrolled at the prestigious Central St. Martins College of Arts and Design. He continued on to receive a Masters degree at St. Martins and his graduation collection was bought by non other than Isabella Blow.

Bernard Arnault, president of LVMH, hired McQueen to head the design team at Givenchy in 1996, raising quite a stir with his shock tactics on the runway. Between 1996 and 2003, McQueen was awarded the prestigious “British Designer of the Year“, not just once, but four times.

In 2001, McQueen left Givenchy and, with the help of Gucci, relaunched his own label. New York City welcomed the first stand-alone Alexander McQueen store in September 2002. He now has boutiques in London, Milan, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Taking a look at McQueen's eccentric, artistic and stunning Spring and Fall Collections throughout the years only affirms the fact he is referred to as “The Best Amongst the Best“.

Chanel

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Born in 1883, orphaned at age 6, and raised by aunts in the province of Auvergne, France, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel triumphed as one of history's great designers and creator of casual elegance.

Read more: Chanel