Alexander McQueen

First an apprentice tailor on London's Savile Row, then a graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins, Lee Alexander McQueen quickly took the fashion world by storm. His first collection was inspired by serial killer Jack the Ripper, giving an insight into the diversity of his - sometimes macabre - inspiration, and his talent for creating surprise. And so was born one of London's most iconic fashion labels, the fashion maverick that is Alexander McQueen. From a tribute to Joan of Arc, to part-human, part-animal models, to spray-painting robots, a supermodel chess set, and the preview of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance", there is no such thing as a straightforward catwalk with McQueen. Each presentation is a performance in its own right, packed with artistic references, reflecting the designer's authentic and original spirit, and his life-long love of challenging the status quo. One such example is his work with Aimee Mullins, an American athlete and double amputee for whom he designed and sculpted wooden prostheses, which she presented on the catwalk in an inspiring fashion first. Since Lee's untimely death in 2010, it is Sarah Burton, formerly his right-hand woman, who has taken the reins at the fashion house. No less spectacular but resolutely nostalgic, romantic and empirically beautiful, the new artistic direction at Alexander McQueen has been synonymous with renewal and rebirth. This applies to tailoring in particular, now embellished with jewels and rose-petal sleeves, and given pride of place in collections. But fear not, for the iconic codes and symbols we associate with McQueen are still very much on display. His legendary skulls are featured on elegant scarves and shawls, as well as on the striking Four-Ring bag, whose structure represents a handgun. Sneakerheads will also find plenty to get excited about at Alexander McQueen: there's the Oversized trainers in a range of colours and finishes, and the more recent (but no less iconic) Thread Slick, available in leather or canvas and even as sneaker socks. Not to mention the plethora of accessories: logo bucket hats and caps, card holders, smartphone cases, and more.