Everything You're Itching to Know About the New Alexander McQueen Documentary

Updated on 6/26/2018 at 9:25 AM

It's been more than eight years since the tragic passing of Alexander McQueen, but his legacy is more potent and brilliant than ever. This year, documentarians Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui are aiming to capture his genius in the most comprehensive and in-depth iteration of his story yet — and yes, his most brilliant fashion explorations will be on full display. McQueen will attempt to follow the prolific designer before, during, and after his meteoric rise on the runway, from his early days as a tailor's apprentice to his final impeccable collections and shows. Ahead of the film's July release, we're breaking down the most crucial facts of the film.

The Story

The film brilliantly casts a wide view, opening a window into the personal life, career, and genius of Alexander McQueen. It utilizes plenty of old footage that includes archives of his transcendent collections and runway shows and older interviews with Mcqueen himself, as well as with his friends and colleagues. There are also behind-the-scenes glimpses at his creative process, including never-before-seen workroom footage and moments of leisure.

There's also a considerable amount of new content. The filmmakers have conducted new interviews with collaborators and loved ones, including Mira Chai Hyde, Sebastian Pons, Gary James McQueen, Janet McQueen, and more. They've also interspersed the footage with dazzling, haunting, three-dimensional models of skulls that are meant to capture the moments in McQueen's life they are aiming to depict.

The Filmmakers

Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui served as codirectors on the film, though Ettedgui has claimed the sole writing credit. He's also worked on a handful of other documentaries, including Everything or Nothing, which focuses on the history of the James Bond franchise; Listen to Me Marlon, which chronicles the life and career of Marlon Brando; and George Best: All by Himself, which explores the life of footballer George Best.

The Trailer

In this case, the beguiling trailer gives you a really great idea of what to expect. Of course, there's a stunning and in-depth exploration of McQueen's personal life and professional genius. There's also a noted consideration that's been put in presentation, from the mixing of interviews old and new and fantastical renderings of artful, McQueen-esque skulls.

The Fashion

McQueen offers an intoxicating and in-depth look at McQueen's body of work, from invention and ideation to execution and presentation. The shows and collections that are explored with the most depth include "Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims," "The Highland Rape," "The Search For the Golden Fleece," "It's a Jungle Out There," "VOSS," "La Dame Bleue," and "Plato's Atlantis."

The Premiere Date

McQueen is in select theaters on July 20.