Always interesting, always unexpected, always extreme, Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 was definitely a spectacle. The show crossed into a whole new digital arena of entertainment as it was live-streamed on Nick Knight’s SHOWstudio.com, intercut with the photographer’s premade video footage. On top of that, 30 minutes before the show, Lady Gaga twittered that McQueen was about to premiere her new single. (fyi – she has a million followers) so, yes, it was inevitable, showstudio crashed and the experience was much like having a ticket for a great show and then not being able to get in.
but inside, the show was inspired by a future ecological meltdown of the world with reptilian prints in green, brown, aqua and blue. but it was the shape of the shoes that got me. Grossly strange armored shoes that looked like lobsters, or some dinosaur reptile mix head. they looked fine from the front but the side view inspired a strong visceral reaction of distaste.
front:
side:
Shape is often an overlooked design element that offers an opportunity to get a strong response from audiences. Shape is a form of enticement. It is extremely powerful in what it represents, how it’s combined with other elements, and the way it expresses information. Using effective shapes in a design can result in a wide range of psychological reactions that can motivate consumers, inspire visitors, and provide an enjoyable adventure even if the audience is unaware of why specific feelings arise. For example, using a circle and triangle in combination conveys energetic, dynamic community. Or a circle and a rectangle for warmth and security. In the 80s, once car manufacturers became aware of the fact that more women were making decisions about car purchases, cars got curvy.
So, if McQueen was looking for a reaction of some kind. He definitely delivered.
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