Fashion Communication

Highland Rape
‘Alexander McQueen, Highland Rape collection, Autumn/Winter 1995-6’.

McQueen’s design is a very post modern way to show an historical event through such an erratic way. Highland rape was actually the rape of Scotland by England but people thought that it is about the rape of a woman. The collection referenced the highland clearances. According to Rudolph post modernism is with no morals. In fact it was about blending and making a statement through such a way. It was about his aesthetic and his inside feeling to show it rather then creating for an international market. McQueen showed his collection in a very exposed way. It was seen as shocking and not understood. It had a negative impact on people considering the nudity and non functionality in the real world.

McQueen used leather which is a hard material. Tartan was also used which represents Scotland has got a military element to it. Because of the exposed nature the designs were considered to be non-wearable but they are so well tailored and beautiful fabrics were used that it can obviously be used in a less exposed way. 

McQueen interpreted it in an erratic way which is his way of expressing and how he felt about it. It could have been shown in different ways by different designers according to their own point of view. If he thought it was a rape then there is a relevance to show it on models on catwalk with ripped clothes. This collection may be for those who are restrained and afraid to open themselves. It is for insecure and passionate people and for those who want to make a statement, want to express themselves and are different. Are YOU?