A Life in Ten Pictures, 11 April 2024, BBC Two, “Alexander McQueen”

In this instalment of the documentary series A Life in Ten Pictures, viewers are taken on a unique journey into the life of iconic fashion designer Alexander McQueen, whose image and influence are known worldwide.

The episode airing on BBC Two on Thursday, 11 April, uses ten defining photographs to illustrate the extraordinary life and personality of this publicity-shy maverick. From iconic shots to private snaps, each image reveals hidden depths and sheds light on McQueen’s remarkable story.

Alexander McQueen rose from humble beginnings to become a fashion doyen, leaving an indelible mark on the industry before his tragic and untimely death. The episode features those who knew him best, sharing their stories and shedding light on the man behind the fashion empire.

McQueen’s work combined fantasy, dark romanticism, and highbrow references to history, art, literature, and film. His designs were often provocative, and he was known for his nonconformist approach, challenging the identity crisis of London fashion. McQueen’s 1993 Nihilism collection, for example, was criticised for its lack of taste but praised for its precise tailoring.

The episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on McQueen’s life and work, exploring his contributions to fashion, his influences, and the impact he had on those around him.

A Life in Ten Pictures: Alexander McQueen provides a unique lens through which to view the extraordinary life of a fashion icon, revealing the man behind the image.

A Life in Ten Pictures airs on BBC Two at 9:00 pm on Thursday, 11 April 2024.