Feme Fatale free essay sample

From victimization to femme fatale, Evans(2004) notes the progression of â€Å"prey† to a more powerful image of â€Å"predator†. Evans(2004) examines the differences between the 1890’s Femme Fatale and McQueen’s representation in his Dante collection1996. A key point made by Evans(2004) in terms of fin-de-siecle femme fatale is â€Å"the woman whose sexuality was dangerous even deathly, and whose terrifying allure would tinge the male desire with dread† 00 years later, Alexander McQueen’s femme fatale was similar style wise and referenced the image of the vamp with â€Å"pale flesh and berry coloured lips† (Evans 2004) and the mouth watering palette of black, beige and mauve. However, McQueen created a frightening subject who was no longer a seductress to be feared, but rather a terrifying predator Along with Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan is also one of the most influential and popular designers. Both, used design as an outlet of expression of concepts and allegories. We will write a custom essay sample on Feme Fatale or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Presenting fashion as a site of exploration, Hussein and McQueen challenged preconceived notions of what clothing can mean, rather than as garments with only functionality in mind. Motivated by ideas and disciplines not readily associated with fashion, their designs cross between architecture, design, philosophy, anthropology, science and technology. ( Shad Thames,2010) Both challenge the variety and use of materials. Hussein has even used plastic and wood for his ‘furniture† collection, and McQueen used sellotape for his â€Å"The Birds† collection conceptualizing road kill. McQueen and Hussein have the ability to shock, electrifies and provoke the apperception of the public, and could even be thought of as â€Å"abstract theoretical designers† and â€Å"philosophers†. (Lubomir Stoykov,2010) â€Å"My work is about ideas. If I had to define my philosophy in just a few words, it would be about an exploration, a journey, storytelling – it is a combination of these things with suggestions and proposals at the same time† (Hussein Chalayan,2010) McQueen and Hussein had a very similar design philosophy and the theme of victimization was reflected in Hussein’s SS 1998 collection. Beginning with a nude woman, her face covered with a mask Hussein gave eloquent voice to the oppression of Muslim women. He showed a dozen models in all, several in white chadors of varying lengths and the final model in a floor-length black chador. (Ellen McIntyre, 2010) Both are dealing with various provocative themes in their work, but one of these themes is very common for them: their national and cultural identities. The two designers have ethnic backgrounds from small and oppressed nationalities (Scotland and Northern Cyprus), so they have plenty to say on their personal cultural experiences. Mostly, inspirations are drawn from the outside world,nature, artifacts, historical costumes, etc. ) Both reflect political issues of the past decades: Scottish independence, the political status of Northern Cyprus,and the place of the Muslim women in society. Although they use their work to convey political and social messages, their collections remain commercially successful. The religious and ethnic animosities between Greek Christians and Turkish Muslims drew Hussein to the theme for this collection. ( Gordana Vrencoska,2011) Both designers are similar in the way they defend their controversial and theatrical collections. ‘It wasnt really supposed to be offensive This was about the cultural loss of self. (Hussein Chalayan,1998). For his collection â€Å"La Poupee† ,a black model walked contorted in a metal frame fixed to her wrists and ankles. Disavowing the obvious connotation of slavery, just as he disavowed the accusations of misogyny in â€Å"Highland Rape,† McQueen claimed he wanted the restricting body jewellery to produce the jerky and mechanical movements of a doll or puppet. (Caroline Evans,2004). Although Chalayan and McQueen shared no artistic vision, these exhibitions each prove how compelling it is to able to stand in front of a display and be overwhelmed by meanings and sensations that were never quite comprehensible in the fleeting 15 minutes of a show.