British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, the original creative engine behind the Alexander McQueen label, was beloved for his expert tailoring and theatrical runway shows. After his suicide in 2010, fans left tributes to the man and his talents outside Alexander McQueen boutiques worldwide. Record-breaking crowds visited the posthumous retrospective of the designer’s work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert in London.
The inspirations for vintage Alexander McQueen bags, dresses, jackets and other items came from many quarters — film, music, current events, history, his heritage and fashions of the past. The designer's runway presentations were not just displays of clothing but were personal expressions of the zeitgeist, often touching on our cultural anxieties and concerns. McQueen’s own thoughts and feelings about love, death, gender, genocide, colonialism, global warming and the extinction of species all appear in his pieces.
McQueen certainly shook up fashion; he was a born Rottweiler. His upbringing on a council estate in north London played a part, but his family was close and supportive, not dysfunctional. He was proud of his Scottish heritage: He was a defiant fashion warrior. His historical themes and shows — such as “Highland Rape,” 2002, which was inspired by England’s “rape of Scotland,” as McQueen called it — always invoked powerful reactions from his audience of fashion pros.
“What you see in the work is the person himself. And my heart is in my work,” McQueen told Harper’s Bazaar in 2007.
It is perhaps this heart, and the heart’s exposure, that drew the crowds and made McQueen's creations both popular and emotionally resonant. Because the work was personal and thus layered with feeling, the motifs — decorative embellishments and fabric choices — have meaning. In other words, in McQueen’s oeuvre, plaid is more than simply a pattern.
Find vintage Alexander McQueen fashion and accessories — including the designer's coveted bags and comfortable, stretchy jersey knit dresses and gowns — on 1stDibs.
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2005 Silver Bead Chain Military Dog Tag Pendant Necklace
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2005 Silver Bead Chain Military Dog Tag Pendant Necklace Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Necklace Color(s): Silver Unmarked Fabric (feel of): Silver Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen pendant...
Alexander McQueen Layered Moth Statement Ring
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Statement Piece - Alexander McQueen Layered Moth Statement Ring Polished, silver-tone ring designed in a form of a moth with extended wings. Featuring an open-back with 'Alexander ...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2006 Orange Large Marbled Resin Beaded Metal Necklace w/Box
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2006 Orange Large Marbled Resin Beaded Metal Necklace w/Box RARE Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2006 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Beaded Necklace Color(s): Shades of orange and yellow; silver (small beads) Unmarked Material (feel of): Resin, Silver-toned beads Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen circa 2006 necklace. Large marbled resin polished beads blended with shades of yellow and orange. Small silver metal beads between each larger resin beads. Silver metal lobster claw closure on center back. Engraved "Alexander McQueen" circle medallion tag connected...
Alexander McQueen Enamel Skull Bangle, Silver-Tone, UK, 21st Century
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Port Hope, ON
Alexander McQueen is well known for the the "Skull" design which is found on the brand's jewelry, foot wear, clothing and handbags/clutches. This particular bangle is especially beau...
Enamel
$396Sale Price|40% Off
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Runway Multi hoop gold silver crystal cuff earring
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Runway Multi hoop gold silver crystal cuff earring Reference: KEDG/A00024 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Model: Multi Hoop Ear Cuff Collection: Run...
Gold, Silver
B. Kieselstein-Cord 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ridge Earrings
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in Philadelphia, PA
B. Kieselstein-Cord's diamond and gold ridge earrings are a mix of diamonds and gold that effortlessly combine sophistication with a touch of edgy allur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold and Diamond Round Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stylish design of striated gold bands going in three directions highlighted by two rows of diamonds. The earrings are slightly domed. The backs are clips that can be converted to po...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Set with 2.21 Carat Garnet and Diamond
By Eva Soussana
Located in Paris, FR
Designed by Eva Soussana, artist and founder of Hera-Jewellery, this sensual, elegant and refined pendant necklace from the "Eva" Collection has been thought and designed for all wom...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.27ctw Blue Sapphire Diamond Bangle Bracelet 14k White Gold 7"
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Sapphires - Total Carats - 1.15ctw Cut - Round Color - Dark Blue Treatment - Heated - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.12ctw Cut - Round Brilliant...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$6,396Sale Price|20% Off
L 16 in
Vintage 16" White Diamond(4.26ct) Briolette Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 18K yellow gold necklace features 15 natural pear-shaped diamond briolettes, each beautifully faceted to create exceptional sparkle and fluid movement along the neckline...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Gecko Lizard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold necklace suspending a brushed Geko lizard pendant. Alex Jona jewels stand out,...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Faceted Bead Single Strand Necklace on Clearance Silver Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Natural Opal single strand Bead Necklace In silver 18" long 1 layers of Natural opal Beads These are faceted beads so has lots of shine and glare...
Silver
$5,904 / item
H 1.01 in W 0.78 in
7 Carat Total Weight Diamond Inside-Outside Round Hoops in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiziana N1 Stainless Steel Spring Bangle Bracelet
Located in Lugano, TI
Balanced between the exotic and the industrial, the Tiziana N1 stainless steel Bangle Bracelet is strikingly elegant. The hardness of steel is softened by a clever structure of elastic hoops of finely spun springs. By transforming an otherwise common, industrial material...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Peter Suchy GIA Certified 3.18 Carat Diamond Platinum Stud Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Old European cut diamond stud earrings. 2 old European diamonds in platinum curved prong baskets. Crafted in the Peter Suchy Jewelers Workshop. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Multigem Half Hoop Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Festive and colorful 14 karat half hoop earrings with stones that include: amethyst; citrine; blue topaz and tourmaline. The stones are a variety of shapes and sizes. Backs are posts and clips. Signed CK...
Amethyst, Citrine, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Henry Dunay 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Necklace 190.4 Grams
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
Adorn yourself with the stunning and remarkable Henry Dunay 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cynabar Faceted Curb Link Necklace. This estate piece from the 1980's features a 22.40 mm width and 16" long chain, perfect for making a statement. Henry Dunay Gold Cynabar Faceted Curb Link Necklace 18K Yellow Gold 22.40mm width and 16" long 190.4 grams Estate Necklace...
Yellow Gold, Gold
Alexander McQueen Skull Ring - '90s
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Alexander McQueen Skull Ring in gold plated metal, featuring red stones and a bold skull design with a mohawk. A striking statement of edg...
Alexander McQueen Skull Bee Embellished Crystal Ring
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Alexander McQueen Skull Bee Embellished Crystal Ring Silver statement ring with the brand's signature oversized Skull motif. Featuring enamel detailed Bee embellishment to the top....
Crystal
Alexander McQueen Skull Wrap-Around Pearl & Crystal Ring
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Alexander McQueen Skull Wrap-Around Pearl & Crystal Ring Antique gold finish brass wrap-around ring with gothic glamour design. Embellished with the brand's signature skull to each...
Crystal, Pearl, Brass
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN cream enamel double skull gold tone cuff bangle
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN cream enamel double skull gold tone cuff bangle Reference: ALCU/A00047 Brand: Alexander McQueen Material: Enamel, Metal Color: Cream, Gold...
Gold, Enamel
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Runway Rose Choker gunmetal silver black jewel choker necklace
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Runway Rose Choker gunmetal silver black jewel choker necklace Reference: KEDG/A00004 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Model: Rose Choker Collection:...
Silver
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Runway silver rhinestone teardrop earcuff statement earring
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Runway silver rhinestone teardrop earcuff statement earring Reference: KEDG/A00006 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Collection: Runway Material: Meta...
Silver
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN beige yellow skull enamel gold tone brass bangle cuff
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN beige yellow skull enamel gold tone brass bangle cuff Reference: ANWU/A00146 Brand: Alexander McQueen Material: Brass Color: Yellow, Gold Pattern: Skull Closure: Pu...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN silver gold birds heart locket textured chain necklace
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN silver gold birds heart locket textured chain necklace Reference: TGAS/D01108 Brand: Alexander McQueen Material: Metal Color: Silver, Gold Pattern: Solid Closure: L...
Gold, Silver
Alexander Mc Queen Golden and Silvery Metal Earrings Ornamented with Rhinestones
By Alexander McQueen
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Alexander Mc Queen - Golden and silvery metal earrings ornamented with rhinestones Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 6.7 cm Seller Referenc...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN faux pearl gold jewel charm short necklace
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN faux pearl gold jewel charm short necklace Reference: TGAS/D00706 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Material: Metal, Faux Pearl Color: Pearl, Bronze P...
Gold
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN red black scaled leather skull charm double wrap bracelet cuff
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN red black scaled leather skull charm double wrap bracelet cuff Reference: ANWU/A00164 Brand: Alexander McQueen Material: Leather C...
Alexander Mcqueen Skull Bangel
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Fabulous Alexander Mcqueen bangle featuring their signature skull motif. In a gorgeous electric blue shade alongside black and sterling silver...