This morning, Gucci Group announced that they will carry on with the Alexander McQueen brand, following the designer’s suicide last week.
At a conference yesterday, Robert Polet, Gucci Group’s CEO, said, “We believe in the future of the brand.”
As for an appropriate mourning period, they’ll go right ahead and show an AW10 collection in Paris the week after next.
Nearly every conversation I’ve had this week has turned to McQueen, and the great loss the industry’s suffered. More than one person has suggested the time allotted for his show in Paris should serve as a memorial, an hour of quiet and calm in which the industry might take a moment in an otherwise impossibly hectic month and think about McQueen.
But no, Gucci Group doesn’t want to miss a beat, and will keep the shows staged and the deliveries coming–and it couldn’t feel more wrong.
Meanwhile, the British Fashion Council is setting up a Lee McQueen memorial wall in Somerset House. Notes can be pinned up throughout the week and will be presented to McQueen’s family in a book at the end of the week.
Tags: Alexander McQueen, Gucci Group
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I can see the point, I mean Gucci made an investment and in this economy they want to capitalize–especially now that his clothes are selling like crazy. Still, who could possibly replace him?
I also think the time alotted for his show should be used as a memorial… but I also think that showing his last collection is something of a memorial as well. McQueen was extraordinary, and will be missed precisely for his creativity and commitment to fashion. While the show is a chance for to sell clothes, and test interest in continuing the brand, as someone who loved McQueen and was constantly challenged, delighted, and intrigued by his creations, I want to see the collection. Not to take anything away from his memory, but to add something to it.
I agree with you guys about the time to reflect in Paris. Aside from the sales #'s maybe it could be what McQueen would have wanted, to keep moving forward as usual. It's just a crappy situation, period. ~ flauntstyle.blogspot.com
There is no right or correct route, here. Gucci group might be making the wrong decision, but the primary wrong decision here was made by Lee McQueen. It's tragic, and nobody can undo the tragedy by behaving gracefully.
It may be a little crass of Gucci Group, but really what are they to do? Moreover, there are no other clothes this season that I'm more interested to see than this McQueen collection. How could anyone not feel the same way?
I fail to see what could be a better memorial than showing his final collection. The “moment of silence” was invented less than hundred years ago by George V to honor the fallen in WWI, so why can't we creatively honor our own in the most fitting of ways?
I think they should show the collection in Paris as planned (to a limited audience, as invited) and plan a much larger, public memorial to McQueen in London. A memorial in Paris to an audience of fashion insiders is contrived. It doesn't make any sense if it isn't in London and if his fans can take no part.
i think going forward is the correct thing to do. And i agree with everything above for the most part.
show should go on, that's the best tribute. an artist's work and memory should continue for them to live on. curious to see who replaces such a great visionary. i vote for Lady Gaga.
http://www.stylaholic.com/Stylaholic/Blog/Blog….
Alexander McQueen always said that he wanted his label to continue without him should he become incapacitated or die … and that is the greatest tribute … to continue his work. Don't forget all the amazing design assistants that worked for him and learned from him. Surely his knowledge and talent can live through them?
Did Chanel not continue with Coco? What about Yves Saint Laurent? And of course Lanvin and Chloe? All are heritage brands that have continued to become more iconic and more aspirational due to the re-interpretation of historical pieces by new designers. In some cases becoming more successful …
Long live the McQueen fashion house!
I was seriously upset at the thought of his line just…ending. Blatently. But this is good news – I do hope the best for the endeavor…I knew this wouldn't be the end of Armadillo Toes!
–http://flowerponychloe.blogspot.com
no one could make the things that he do ¡¡¡ so plis have to be awesome because gonna be sooo difficult replace his genious mind and work, don't make he go to scary at night ! PLIS , PLIS MAKE IT GOOD¡ MAKE A SMILE IN OUR FACES
Just found an interesting interview on the Canadian show Fashion Television where McQueen was asked his thoughts on someone continuing in his house… he was pretty decisive about that being a no.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL3N7-u6Kng&feat…
Everyone here has made valid points, I am pleased. At the end of the day Gucci does have a business to make decisions that also involve millions of dollars and many jobs. I would hate to see all that love McQueen and worked for and beneath him go without their jobs (we are in a recession). Lee is in a better place now and his amorous spirit I believe would want to see those who invested and contributed to his legacy go on to try their best to keep what was left behind alive. Long live McQueen!!!
I'm thorn between being sad and happy about that Gucci decision to continue Alexander McQueen without Lee. It is a good business decision to go on and pay tribute to his style and legacy, also a good thing for the employees who will carry on the techniques and vision they shared with M. McQueen.
But, let's face it, he is TRULY irreplaceable. We need someone as edgy and crafted as Lee, what about Olivier Theyskens ???? He was “too dark and edgy” for Nina Ricci, but isn't he perfect for the McQueen challenge ??
I feel that showing his last designs in the fashion show is the most fitting tribute possible for Alexander McQueen. He would want the show to go on, and the world wants to see what he has created. He was truly an artist and he will be missed. A moment of silence isn't powerful enough to capture all of the expressions and creations her inspired; He needs to “go out with a bang”.
Long live loved Mc'Q
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