MUSEUMS the
magic of
McQueen
More than a fashion exhibition, the record-breaking
Savage Beauty is a journey into
the mind of Alexander McQueen. Senior research assistant of the V&A’s retrospective, Kate Bethune, talks to Kath Hudson
Kath Hudson, journalist, Attractions Management
A
Kate Bethune helped curate Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the V&A in London
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attractionsmanagement.com
ntler headdresses, armadillo shoes, bumster trousers. Dresses made out feathers, mussels, razor clams, horse hair and pony skin. These are the creations of the late fashion designer, Alexander
McQueen, and they are surprising, charismatic, feminine and intimidating. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty closed on 2 August, becoming the V&A’s most visited exhibition, with 493,043 visitors during its 21-week run. To cope with demand, the exhibit was open through the night during its fi nal two weekends. According to Martin Roth, director of the
V&A, Savage Beauty was “one of the most unpredictable, dramatic and spectacular exhibitions we have ever staged”. “The response has been phenomenal and has exceeded our expectations. It’s been a remarkable experience to stay open around the clock for the fi rst time,” he says.
JOURNEY INTO THE MIND When creating Savage Beauty, the curatorial team chose to go beyond producing an exhibition of fancy frocks, and take visitors on a journey into his mind, as well as giving the sense of visiting one of his fashion shows. Having collaborated with McQueen’s
former team of catwalk show producers, lighting designer, DJ and hairdresser (who did the masks and head treatments of the mannequins), the result was intoxicating. “We wanted visitors to feel drawn into his creative mind. We wanted to create a sensory, theatrical, dramatic and immersive experience,” says Kate Bethune, senior research assistant for the V&A’s retrospective. “Each gallery was a contrast to the preceding one and each had a complementary soundtrack to work with it. Switches in tone and tempo drew out the spectacle and drama. It was light on text, so as not to break the sense of immersion.”
AM 3 2015 ©CYBERTREK 2015
PHOTO: MARC HOM / TRUNK ARCHIVE
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