Clowns in Fashion - Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2001

"WHAT A MERRY GO ROUND" / 2001 FALL/WINTER COLLECTION

The Fall/Winter collection for McQueens 2001 show "What A Merry Go Round" was an iconic show in regards to how clown makeup is used within fashion and art. The show featured scary looking models constructed as clowns in highly ornate, delicate flapper dresses decorated further with the use of feathers, cocktail suits and elaborate ball gowns. The disturbing elements to the show followed key conventions of the horror genre and made audiences both inspired and frighted through his use of sinister children's music and dishevelled balloons and children's dolls. All of these concepts appeal to a sense of childhood association with evil but it is the use of the clown makeup that makes the show so dramatic and inspirations in particular to my character construction of Quentin. 
In regards to how this show is inspirational to my character design I am focusing in particular on the makeup which is extremely classic of the sad clown concept developed within the Victorian era. The use of the black and white makeup connects back to the concept of the Victorian clown who was painted up with sad expressions to create a visible emotion for the audiences who watched the comedy acts play out in the circus. This however is not the only connection visible within the show as the use of the high arched brows and crossed eyes also connects back to that of the high court jesters and harlequins of old reigns who were employed by the King or Queen for the purpose of entertainment. This is something that to modern audiences tends to install more of a sense of fear and uncomfortability as we are unable to read the emotion on the wearers face. Much of this is to do with the concept of the mask which, as we do not wear them commonly within modern society, have become unsettling to many.

http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/experience/en/alexandermcqueen/archive/womens-autumnwinter-2001-what-a-merry-go-round/

My favourite element of this show is most definitely the styling of the eye makeup as seen within the very top image. The use of the diamond structure around the eyes knocks out all colour but also is more disturbing as it masks the naturally creases of the eye that occur when we make expressions. Eyes are the most commonly used way of reading facial expressions and therefore by removing this ability it makes the make pore disturbing to witness. Although McQueens show is definitely a creepy thing to behold it is also strangely beautiful in the way the clown makeup is combined with such delicate dresses. This combination of beautiful lines and harsh makeup is what makes the styling of the show so alluring as it becomes more than just horror, it is a strange combination of fearful art.