As thousands of others have and will continue to, I just wanted to express a few words on the unfortunate passing of this genial human being. Attempting to put it into words may well be futile, but for the man who's presentations have moved me to tears, multiple times, I will try.
There are aesthetic geniuses, there are undeniable talents... basically, there are a lot of people out there who are good at at expressing their visions. However, it's so rare for someone to possess the ability to articulate it to an audience through an intense and successful visual translation, the way he could. So rare to be able to leave such an impact on the viewers, or in his case, the overall experience-r, because with McQueen, it was never just about making pretty clothes.
In an overwhelmingly superficial, catty and shallow industry, this man put on some of most heartfelt presentations that we have seen, and as of today, will ever see again. Some of them were disturbing, some were pristine, some outrageous and some too poetic and beautiful to put into words - but no matter their tone, they were always so unique, so powerful and so magical. He provided us unique experiences, installations and conveyed moods and visions that took us to another place in time, entirely, which is a talent far and above what most clothing designers can only dream to possess.
His collections before and particularly in the early 2000's were inexplicably gorgeous; the concepts were always different, bizarre and beautiful and afterward left such an impression on the viewer. I was personally moved to tears by a few of them, something which another designer has ever evoked in me before or since. Not to knock his work in the recent years, but the level of whimsicality was turned down and he seemed to gravitate toward a more futuristic and flashy approach. I wasn't sure why the evolution, but it was clear that while his visions shifted, his passion, volume and determination to articulate his vision never seemed to waiver.
While it's no secret that the most deeply creative people are often the most tormented, it is absolutely tragic when the world loses these special souls, who's creations touch so many lives. McQueen, like many, was probably filled with an inescapable darkness and terror, which can only be soothed by a few special people we are fortunate enough to cross paths with in life. Once those people are taken away from our lives, it can become impossible, and pointless, to continue the struggle of living.
On this sad day, as cliche as it is, I can only hope that he has finally found the peace that he deserves. His work will always live on, his presentations and vision will always remain unmatched and his legacy will continue to bless and haunt all who encounter his brilliant creations. May his soul finally be free.
4 comments:
well said.
it's a shame that we will not be able to see anymore of his collections, but his undeniable talent has thankfully left us timeless clothes that will ALWAYS inspire and impress.
thanks dear <3 and yeah I agree, it is so melancholy. On one hand he's left behind such a magical legacy and I'm glad we were around to witness it, but it is so sad he is gone.
xoxo
Inaya, your tribute to McQueen certainly put my humble post to shame. It was beautifully written, among the best of all that has been said for and about him since the news broke.
It's interesting that you mentioned how things had changed in his work recently, and as insensitive or shallow as it sounds right now, I can't help but feel that his final womens collection just isn't enough of a tribute to his genius. It's just not fair that his last big show wasn't also his best. But I guess that's proof that he still had so much to give.
And just like you I can't even begin to think of who could possibly lead the label now. Not one single name comes to mind.
Aww I'm so glad you liked the post.
I just had to mention the shift in his work, because I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel the same way... that his work in recent years didn't do his ultimate, overall talent much justice. But it does indeed help us to piece together the story of McQueen as a whole.
As you said, it's impossible to think of anyone to replace him, because he was a visionary on so many different levels. Picking another clothing designer for McQueen's empire is actually ridiculous and implies that there's someone, anyone, out there, who could ever come close to understanding and doing his vision justice... which there really isn't.
xoxox
Post a Comment