'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty' exhibit

UPPER EAST SIDE (WABC) -- Fashion isn't just about wearability and functionality; it is about dreams and fantasy. Fittingly called "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty", this new exhibit at the Met celebrates the late designer's extraordinary contributions to the world of fashion  a dizzying mix of opposites that challenges all of your senses.

"McQueen took inspiration from everywhere - even one of the collections was inspired by a green sweater worn by the character Joey in the sitcom Friends. He was a complete sponge," said curator Andrew Bolton.

Bolton also said that it was challenging for the museum to narrow down some 800 pieces to just100 of McQueen's ensembles and 70 of his accessories, which you will find in the cabinet of curiosities.

"It's sort of the heart and soul of the exhibition, in a way it shows the wealth and breadth of McQueen's imagination," Bolton added.

McQueen pushed the boundaries of fashion far beyond the limit, once saying, "You've got to know the rules to break them. That's what I'm here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition."

This was something he knew all too well, having studied with some of the best tailors on Savile Row, and later headlining at Givenchy and Gucci.

"I wanted the show to be like a fairy tale, McQueen was a great storyteller, and all of his collections were infused with a great narrative," said Bolton.

However his story was ultimately one that had a dark ending. In February of last year, he committed suicide at just 40 years old.

The exhibit also features a posthumous collection which contains some of the 16 pieces that McQueen crafted in the final days before his untimely death.

"He always said he wanted people to leave his shows, and have some sort of reaction. Whether it was positive or negative - he didn't care whether you liked it or hated it, he just wanted you to feel something," added Bolton.

To find out more about the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" exhibit, click here.

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new york city, upper east side, metropolitan museum of art, new york news, kemberly richardson

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