Rare Photos of Alexander McQueen at Work Will Be Featured in a New Exhibition

A new photography exhibit is opening at the Tate Modern Museum in London that features behind-the-scenes images of Alexander McQueen at work.

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Complex Original

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Just before his untimely death, Alexander McQueen held his last runway show, “Horn of Plenty,” and commissioned art photographer Nick Waplington to capture it. Now, London’s Tate Modern will feature those photographs in a new exhibit, titled “Nick Waplington/Alexander McQueen: Working Process,” that will offer an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the late-great designer in action during what would be the end of his illustrious career.

Waplington was given all-access when photographing McQueen at work. They are a testament to how hands-on he was; outfitting runway models, pinning photo to a board, cutting fabric—McQueen did it all. There are also shots of the designer hanging out with Anna Wintour and collaborating with members of his team. The contrast between McQueen’s personal style and the avant-garde creations he was known for is also on display, as the designer wears plain jeans and understated shirts in most of the photos.

Alexander McQueen committed suicide in 2010. He had long struggled with drugs and alcohol, and fell into a deep depression after the death of his mother just nine days earlier. Exhibitions dedicated to him and his work have appeared at various museums around the world including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

"Nick Waplington/Alexander McQueen: Working Process" will be on view at London's Tate Modern from March 10 to May 17, 2015. Those of us who aren’t able to make the exhibit can pick up the photograph book, Alexander McQueen: Working Process, Photographs by Nick Waplington for $62 here. 

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[via FastCoDesign]

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