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 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
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...
$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
South Sea Pearl Graduated Knotted String Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite South Sea pearl necklace! Features graduated white pearls on a knotted string, accented with a 14K yellow gold crabclaw clasp. A perfect final touch to any style! Hallm...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Hubei Turquoise Bead Necklace with Diamond White Gold 14 Karat Clasp
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite hubei turquoise bead necklace featuring a single strand of 20mm turquoise beads in gorgeous teal, green, and earth tones....
14k Gold, White Gold
Yves Saint Laurent Faux Tortoise Shell Lucite Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sharon, CT
Offering a Yves Saint Laurent vintage brass links connecting lucite rings, size adjustable. YSL engraved metal logo tag. France 1970's. Total length 37", each rings diameter 1 3/8"...
14 Karat Gold Rectangular Link Chain with Hexagon Charm Holder
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular link chain, finished with large jump rings, provides the setting for our pendants to be layered. The chain holds a chunky, hexagon charm holder...
Gold, 14k Gold
Suzy Levian 14K White Gold White Diamond 7 Clover by the Yard Station Necklace
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This unique Suzy Levian diamond open clover by the yard necklace displays round-cut diamonds on 14 karat white gold setting. This gorgeous necklace contains 126, 1 mm white round cut...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Suzy Levian 0.10 Carat White Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Letter Initial Necklace, G
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This breathtaking personalized Suzy Levian letter necklace features natural diamonds, hand-set in 14-Karat yellow gold. It's the perfect individualized gift to let someone special kn...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carnelian Bead Knotted String Triple Strand Necklace, 14 Karat Clasp
Located in Milford, DE
A bold and bright triple strand necklace! Features three strands of 10mm carnelian beads, connected to a single strand with a vermeil cubic zirconia-accented connector. The clasp its...
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Vermeil
Tri-Color Cartier Baby Trinity Pampilles 18K Yellow Gold Length Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Tri-Color Gold Baby Trinity Pampilles Lariat Necklace by Cartier Type Necklace Material 18K Yellow Gold Necklace Dimension: From Motif to Ball 18'' Long From Lobster to Motif 7.5...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$585 / item
H 0.79 in W 0.2 in
18k Gold Diamond Fish Cross Necklace Christian Necklace Religious Necklace
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Fish Cross Necklace in 18K White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Delicate Minimal Necklace made of 18K solid gold available in three colors. Natural genuine round cut diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Panthère De Cartier Necklace N7059200
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking Cartier 18k yellow gold diamond necklace from the Panthère De Cartier collection. The necklace features a panther motif with bold black lacquer spots, a round brilliant cu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ammanii Hoop Earrings with Freshwater Pearls in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautifully handcrafted hoop earrings made from vermeil gold, sterling silver base with 18k yellow gold plating, in our signature satin finish adorned with Freshwater Pearls and high...
Freshwater Pearl, Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Mughal Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Bangle
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Indian 18th century Mughal 22k gold bangle with kundan set diamonds and rubies, featuring fine enamel work. The enamels bold an bright with abstract...
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Gold, Enamel
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 Silver Toned Skull Necklace
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the necklace is evident, there is a mark on the back of the skull pendant of this used Alexander McQueen designer resale item. Details ...
Alexander McQueen Silver Toned Skull Bracelet
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the bangle is evident on this used Alexander McQueen designer resale item. Details Silver and blue Metal B...
Alexander McQueen Black & Silver Skull Bangle
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the bangle is evident, there are light marks on the internal circumference of this used Alexander McQueen designer resale item. Details ...
Alexander McQueen Red Skull Gold Chain Necklace
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to necklace is evident on this used Alexander McQueen designer resale item. Details Red Metal Necklace ...
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 Crystal Brass Choker Necklace
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the necklace is evident on this used Alexander McQueen designer resale item. This item comes with an original dust bag and box. ...
Brass
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...