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Full disclosure: I've been a fan of McQueen's designs since the launch of his label circa 1992 (or 30+ years nowadays. What the fuck is time?). I remember the fashion spreads, the shows, reading abt the messiness of McQueen's life and also abt his brilliance as a designer from the 1990s thru his death in 2010. He was one of the few designers whose work I always checked out no matter what. That said, Understich is an even bigger fan of his to the point that they posted two magnificent video essays abt the label and the man himself.
FWIW, I do think that, at times, Understitch does lessen their criticism abt certain things that McQueen did while, at the same time, I've yet to find such a thorough dive into his life and work. Seriously, the depth of research Understitch did here is astonishing. I'm doing a slow-clap-to-standing-ovation for realsies.
Trigger/Content warnings: Both essays, but especially the one focusing on McQueen's life tackle v. frank discussions of substance abuse (including attempts to remain sober & relapsing); self-harm; mentions of CSA; mentions of parental illness and death; several people committing suicide; friends of McQueen having terminal illnesses; bullying (from McQueen toward others); McQueen having unprotected sex despite his HIV+ status (PrEP was launched into the market two full years AFTER McQueen's death).
A 46-minute video essay that mostly centers the fashion aspect in McQueen's life over the man himself. That said, this video does shed some light on his tumultuous life. Understich's fannishness abt the collections is v. clear. That does help in explaining themes that aren't as clear to the casual viewer or baby fashionista. Whether or not it might seem frivolous to some, fashion design IS an art. One that v. few (such as McQueen) have been able to explore to its fullest while, at the same time, presenting clothing that many will love to wear. There was a type of anger and general disdain for the mundane in McQueen's designs. And, at least when he was alive, a symbiotic relationship between his collections and the artisty & grandiosity of his actual!shows. He had a vision and kept it going even as his soul got torn apart by his substance abuse and pain.
This hour and 11 minute video essay explores McQueen as a person: from his painful childhood to the mix of bravado and insecurity as he stepped into the fashion world seguing into the professional triumphs and terrible lows in his personal life.
Obvs, if you also watch the fashion-centric video essay, this one will seem repetitive at times. However, Understich's examination of McQueen's life will keep you watching. Granted, the majority of the details are quite disturbing, but none feel tabloidesque. This video ends on an intensly bittersweet note as McQueen dies but the company needing to go on. โจExtreme capitalism, y'all!โจ
Again, I do need to point out that the second half of the video is quite downbeat, but such is life sometimes.
FWIW, I do think that, at times, Understitch does lessen their criticism abt certain things that McQueen did while, at the same time, I've yet to find such a thorough dive into his life and work. Seriously, the depth of research Understitch did here is astonishing. I'm doing a slow-clap-to-standing-ovation for realsies.
Trigger/Content warnings: Both essays, but especially the one focusing on McQueen's life tackle v. frank discussions of substance abuse (including attempts to remain sober & relapsing); self-harm; mentions of CSA; mentions of parental illness and death; several people committing suicide; friends of McQueen having terminal illnesses; bullying (from McQueen toward others); McQueen having unprotected sex despite his HIV+ status (PrEP was launched into the market two full years AFTER McQueen's death).
A 46-minute video essay that mostly centers the fashion aspect in McQueen's life over the man himself. That said, this video does shed some light on his tumultuous life. Understich's fannishness abt the collections is v. clear. That does help in explaining themes that aren't as clear to the casual viewer or baby fashionista. Whether or not it might seem frivolous to some, fashion design IS an art. One that v. few (such as McQueen) have been able to explore to its fullest while, at the same time, presenting clothing that many will love to wear. There was a type of anger and general disdain for the mundane in McQueen's designs. And, at least when he was alive, a symbiotic relationship between his collections and the artisty & grandiosity of his actual!shows. He had a vision and kept it going even as his soul got torn apart by his substance abuse and pain.
This hour and 11 minute video essay explores McQueen as a person: from his painful childhood to the mix of bravado and insecurity as he stepped into the fashion world seguing into the professional triumphs and terrible lows in his personal life.
Obvs, if you also watch the fashion-centric video essay, this one will seem repetitive at times. However, Understich's examination of McQueen's life will keep you watching. Granted, the majority of the details are quite disturbing, but none feel tabloidesque. This video ends on an intensly bittersweet note as McQueen dies but the company needing to go on. โจExtreme capitalism, y'all!โจ
Again, I do need to point out that the second half of the video is quite downbeat, but such is life sometimes.
