Day 31. Throwback to my Alexander McQueen days

Waayy back in Summer 2008 when I was a naive 21 year old design student, I was lucky enough to be offered an internship at Alexander McQueen in the print and embroidery department. From what I remember it was a very special and exciting time in my life when I actually built the foundations for my creative portfolio of knowledge. The impact of this intense design tuition has been enormous in retrospect. 

Not only was it my first time on work experience but it was my first taste of London living. 

I was lodging with a wonderful family in Primrose Hill and had the attic room practically overlooking the park. I would get the Northern Line round to Angel and a short walk to the McQueen studio on Amwell Street. 

The building wasn't particullay glamorous and there were more interns working free for Lee (Alexander McQueen) than paid staff (which caused much contriversity a few years later in terms of student exploitation), but saying that I learnt far more about working life and design than I would have felt exploited. 

What I felt was so exciting was the 3 months of hard work wihich resulted in seeing some of my designs tranformed to samples and eventually on the catwalk. I drew print and embroidery samples all day and saw noticeably different and improved skilled each day. A focus and dedication I had never experienced. I was asked into the design team's offices occasionally and loved seeing Lee McQueen at work, his light studio space was filled with moodboards that the students had to regularly update when design and themes changed. The only times I felt uncomfortable were when I had to clean the area which included picking up the cigarettes from the floor. I fetched Lee McQueen's coffee once and remember it this day as a triple shot Macchiato!

I have include some images (excuse the low quality- they are 12 years old) of the flower samples for the show dress.

To view the full SS08 catwalk show click here 

My desk at McQueen Amwell Street

Number 10. The Alexander McQueen Design Studio. Angel, London