MICHELE MIGLIONICO GOES HAUTE COUTURE IN MATERA

Matera, Italy
Michele Miglionico used the artistic beauty of the city Matera as inspiration for his most recent photo shoot. He showcased his magnificent Haute Couture collection. He also went back to his homeland Basilicata to shoot some scenes. The photo location was the beautiful district of Sassi. These elements provided an outstanding backdrop for rich Italian heritage which screamed fashion. Further, the district of Sassi was used to pay homage to the city, where the people famous for their achievements in cultural, creative and intellectual activities guide the visitors throughout Matera. Celebrities who chose this location were film directors like Pier Paolo Pasolini, Alberto Lattuada, Roberto Rossellini, Lina Wertmuller and Bruce Beresford. Mel Gibson who loved this location while shooting “The Passion of the Christ” in Matera.

Miglionico told his story by using gestures of living statues that express suggestions, emotions and passions. He also used sequences of a movie set. Creating this mood blends well with the designer’s concept. Photographer Cristiano Acquaroli has recreated a modern fairy-tale images that illustrates dreams of love, beauty and freedom.

Michele Miglionico created this look using croatian model Livia Skugor as his muse. Using “jewel” bags as the accessory limited edition by Me, Francesca Cancellara to perfect this look. Hair stylist Salvatore Trambarulo and Make-up artist Loredana Venturini added the finishing touch to this exquisite masterpiece.


If you would like to see more of Michele Miglionico collection please go to his web site http://www.michelemiglionico.it

Azhar Harris

FCM Magazine November & December Issues Behind the Scenes

Chicago, Illinois

In Mid August, FCM had the pleasure of having noted Italian Fashion photographer Alessandro Mari come to Chicago to shoot three upcoming issues for our magazine. On day One, we shot the svelte Victoria Yasemin for this special handmade two piece swimsuit for the cover of our December issue. Victoria really worked that suit. It was like she was made to wear this garment. The second look was an amazing Indian piece which Victoria also performed in stellar fashion working that garment.

FCM Beauty team putting the finishing touches on Model Victoria.

Model Victoria in action.
Model Victoria working that camera. She looks amazing in the swimsuit !!!

Day two, we have the magnificent model Mandi who was portrayed a vintage look for our November Issue “ What is your tag?” In this shoot the tag is Vintage Couture. She was phenomenal rocking the garment with outstanding poses and morphing into a timeless look that showed her versatility. Further, there was model Gina whose final was an Avant Garde hairstyle that stole the show. As Alessandro said, “Gina is wonderful!!!” (smile)

Model Mandi prepping for her Vintage shoot. She is fabulous !!!

The shoot was an amazing success. FCM is so excited about this opportunity. We also would like to thank stylist Asha Spacek; Male Models Jason Patrick Roberts and Alec Shea; and Make-up Artist Marisol Velez. Please stay tuned for two of our best issues. FCM Magazine your portal to International Fashion. Our magazine is for the feminine conscious women who is confident, smart, and beautiful. For more details about our magazine go to http://www.fashionchicagomagazine.com/ or our facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/fcmmagazine

Betsy Moss takes her talents to South Beach

Miami, Florida

The alluring backdrop for the scintillating event was the Delano Hotel for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami. which was filled to capacity. The story is the sneak preview of the Spring 2012 Betsy Moss Collection which debuts the full line during New York Fashion Week this fall.

The collection is inspired by the "funny girl to funny lady" 1960's motif. The color trend for this line Juxtaposes bright spring colors with the washed out shades of desert and bit of sequin creating a glamor look. The garments were accessorized with unique scarfs and turbans.

My favorite three outfits were the Black full length gown with the coral blue earrings. This magnificent piece is stylish yet simple. It looks very comfortable. A girl can simply accessorize this outfit with nice pair of Christian Louboutin shoes and earrings. The second garment was the asymmetrical gold sequin mini dress which shows sophistication and sexiness. This dress is for the leggy woman who wants to strut her stuff. The fabric looks comfortable and able to stand those warm night strolling down Biscayne Boulevard. The final fabulous piece is this beautiful pink chiffon dress that sizzles for spring. It is also very minimal with regards to accessories. The outfit can be paired with a pair of wedgies or sandals.

The show created lots of buzz and excitement. Betsy Moss will be a giant success. This collection is the brainchild of the brother and sister team of Jorge and Betsy Perez. This talented family will rise to fashion greatness in the near future. FCM Magazine wishes them lots of success. If you want to some more or purchase their Fall /Winter 2011 Collection please go to www.betsymossonline.com

All photos are by Jasen Delgado.

Azhar Harris

Here's a sneak peak of the August Issue Featured Event: The MakeUp Show-Chicago (2011)

Official Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) makeup artists

Asha Spacek, FCM writer (left), Reggie Wells (right) promoting his line, Hissyfit Clockpot

Reggie Wells takes photo with fan/consumer

Asha Spacek, FCM writer (2nd from left); Joanna Schlip, creator of RCK (2nd from right)

• Explore our contributing event writer's favorite NEW Yves Saint Laurent products

• Get up-close & personal, including a featured interview with celebrity makeup artist, Reggie Wells (yes, Oprah's Reggie)

• Learn what "GO-TO" product A-List celebrities, stylists, and magazines worldwide (even Ms. Michelle Obama) use before they hit the spotlight ...and much more!

Visit, http://fashionchicagomagazine.com/ on August 1, 2011 for the full story.

See the fun FCM had, not only playing in makeup, but capturing the fashion forward artists behind our favorite fabulous faces.

To see Reggie's full easy-to-use Hissyfit Clockpot product line, go to: http://www.hissyfit.com/products/

Contributing event writer: Asha Spacek event photography: Conrad Castelo- UR Artists at ursupermodels.com

Stick Figure vs. Curvy...who is the most Fabulous?

Who looks best stick thin figure (Victoria Beckham) vs. Curvy (Kim Kardashian). They both are wearing the same Alexander McQueen dress. Tell us what do you think?

Summer Makeup Tips for Tanned Skin

Chicago, Illinois

Hey FCM readers, it is that time year again. Those long hot summer days does so much damage to our skin so it’s is a bit tricky when putting on your make-up with tanned skin. Here are a few quick tips for applying make-up on tanned skin.

With an even tan, there is no need to consume numerous types of matte cosmetic products such as foundations and powders.

The tan alone will conceal the skin imperfections. Only light-textured blush and powder should be applied.

Sunscreen should also be used with use high SPF sunscreens as well as foundation and powder with UV-filters. This will help combat the oily sheen in your skin.

Soft natural colors of lipsticks and eye shadows to better enhance your beautiful golden tan. Nude shades of lipstick are the perfect option for summer lip makeup. To add volume to your lips use lip gloss with SPF and UV filters.

Stay cool while looking fabulous…Ciao.


Azhar Harris

Our Partner Gotham House

Hollywood, California

FCM Magazine has partnered with Gotham House (Red carpet Showroom) that serves as a high end, invite only space designated to be the one-stop-shop for TV and Films costume designers, wardrobe departments, prop masters, set decorators, hair and make-up teams, producers and the A-list of Hollywood and their stylists.

We have placed products on Ellen, E! News, the View, the Doctors, Dr. Oz, Rachel Ray, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, George Lopez and the Tonight Show to Desperate Housewives, CSI, Chuck,The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, Two and a Half Men and The Mentalist; and we go as far back as Friends, Will & Grace, The Sopranos, Beverly Hills 90210 (the first and new one) and Sex in the City Back in the Day.

To sweeten the offer, FCM will add a 4 color full page ad in this package. You get the ad and product placement for one reasonable price. This offer is good for 2 months October and November,2011.

If you are interested, please email us at info@fashionchicagomagazine.com The deadline for signing up is August 1, 2011.

THE FINALISTS OF THE 2ND FIGARO AWARDS

Valencia, Spain


The second annual Figaro Awards
will be September 10, 2011 during
the grand finale of Valencia Fashion
Week.


This prestigious award recognizes the most talented and creative individuals in Spain.


The five categories include BEST YOUNG HAIRDRESSER; MALE COLLECTION;
FASHION COMMERCIAL COLLECTION; AVANTGARDE COLLECTION; and HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR.

There are 15 finalists. The prestigious judges are Alberto Cerdán, Pedro Mansilla, Marcel Montlleó, Tony Rizzo and Alex Vidal. They are known throughout the national and international hairdressing and fashion world. The voting is held anonymously with a lawyer certifying each finalist vote.

Here is the list of finalist and their categories:

BEST YOUNG HAIRDRESSER

RUBEN PEÑA & CARLES DOMINGUEZ Tony & Guy - Valencia

JOSEP NAVARRO Tony & Guy - Valencia

ELENA MARTINEZ Arthica - Valencia



MALE COLLECTION

DE SANCHO ESTILISTAS -Valencia

JOSE BOIX TONY & GUY -Valencia

IDENTITY Valencia



FASHION COMMERCIAL COLLECTION

JOSE BOIX TONY & GUY -Valencia

X-PRESION -Madrid

GEMIS -Valencia



AVANTGARDE COLLECTION

SILE PELUQUEROS -Madrid

IDENTITY -Valencia

X-PRESION -Madrid



HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

DAVID SANCHEZ Rizo’s -Madrid

CHRISTIAN VENDRELL Identity -Valencia

XAVI GARCIA Salón 44 -Madrid



You can see the finalists’ creations at www.clubfigaro.com


FCM Magazine wants to wish all the finalist luck on winning the competition.


Azhar Harris

Celebrities Photoshopped: Before and After

Celebrities Photoshopped: Before and After

Hot Shoes-Alexander McQueen Fall 2011

Worldwide

These shoes are very artistic and classic with black patent leather laced platform boots with spike heels the lacing is intentionally made wider to expose the skin on the front of the leg and foot, showing a bit of sexiness. These shoes are the perfect accessory to make strong fashion statement to showing everyone you has lots of style. To see more of this fabulous shoe collection, go to www.alexandermcqueen.com



Azhar Harris

Breton Star of Project Runway Season 3 is Nominated for WGSN Global Fashion Award, for Outstanding Fashion Collaboration/Collaborator

New York, New York


Famed Fashion Designer Malan Breton has been nominated for Global Fashion Award in the category of Outstanding Fashion Collaboration for his work on NBC's number one rated game show "Minute to Win It". This is an awesome fete for young designer Breton with the other nominees being Karl Lagerfeld and Matthew Williamson. Breton’s other accolades include consulting with Project Runway, Australia's Next Top Model, The Today Show, Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt, Princeton University, & the WGSN Global Fashion Awards.

Breton Fall 2011 collection was showcased a few months ago in New York Fashion Week. This collection was magnificent. It was Japanese inspired with geisha dancing. There were these exquisite white kimonos. Breton’s use of simple lines and rich fabrics that are a staple of Japanese kimonos throughout his collection. The highlight of the show was his ruby reds, Breton blues, and selenite white—that was consistently fused with geisha-style low-back neckline that exposes the lovely napes of necks and shoulders in the feminine silhouette. This shows very innocent sex appeal without being too risqué.

His future projects include being the subject of a six part series on Bravo TV titled "The Malan Show" "A six part series following the process of making it in America as an independent designer!"

Breton’s humanitarian efforts included donating much of his time to amfAR, Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, and Care and Share India. Malan also has a strong background in ballet which he juxtaposes in his signature fashion shows by using dancers.

Malan Breton has come a long way in six years. His creativeness is definitely special and unique since he is self taught and never attended fashion school. The sky is the limit for this rising fashion designer. Stay Tuned, the best is yet to come!


Azhar Harris

What is your Tag?

Miami, Florida


FCM Magazine is very excited about this issue because it has lots of debuts. The editorial and cover will be shot in mid-July. This is the first time we are shooting our cover and featured editorial spread in the wonderful city of Miami. The theme is called “What is Couture.” This tag belongs to Cuban Fashion Designer Yasser Faraco. His Haute Couture collection is magnificent.

Another debut deals with our South Beach partner Vashon Models. The lovely Alexa will be modeling the amazing Faraco collection. She is an amazing model who has been chosen as our cover model for this special issue.

The next introduction involves FCM’s South Beach Glam Divas. This beauty team is very creative and talented. They will magically transform Alexa into a goddess who screams haute couture when wearing the Faraco collection. The Beauty team consists of Lorena Alvarez Makeup Artist; Jennifer Gilbert Stylist; and Chara Simone Hair Stylist.

The talented model turned photographer Kristin Kerry will be able to juxtapose all the aforementioned elements can magically create an outstanding editorial spread and fabulous magazine cover.

The Tag issue hits newsstands and the cyber world on October 1. Please take to time to purchase this historic issue.

July 2011 Issue

Worldwide



The theme is called Raw issue symbolizes the word as something Raw that can be an emotion or a state of mind; it does not mean the state of the image. For us words like Brutal, Harsh, Ignorant, Crude, Natural, Passion, and Unrefined are all relevant. Think about what the word means to you and embrace it, the results will surprise you. The cover showcases the Talented Italian Photographer Alessandro Mari http://www.2photographers.it/; Model Valentina Carli; Stylist Martina Ciurletti; and the designs of Mango.

This magazine cover mixes high fashion with glamour with very stylish results. The international fashion community really knows style that can make any outfit look glamorous. Please be sure to check out the rest of this issue. The raw issue will be hitting newsstands on July 1, 2011.

The entire issue is fabulous. People who want to know international fashion read FCM Magazine.

Reflections coming soon……

Worldwide




FCM Magazine will bring you this very interesting editorial spread that uses mirrors vintage hats juxtaposed with glamour. The spread is very exciting and stylish. Reflections show how mirrors influence mood which dictates fashion. We are very proud to showcase the very talented United Kingdom fashion photographer Cristina Caso Carra and the amazing model Elaine Ford. The designs were provided by Millinery & Fascinator Designer Tatiana Ashakova of Colours. Please sure to check out the rest of this amazing and fabulous editorial spread. This will be in the raw issue that hits newsstands on July 1, 2011.

The entire issue is fabulous. People who want to know international fashion read FCM Magazine.

Lady Gaga Buzzing in Black

London, England


Lady Gaga really knows how to make an entrance. Recently, she left a London hotel wear a white monochrome circle dress made by designer Liz Black. She came out resembling a nun. But, don’t let her appearance fool you, she is quite the trendy fashionistas who does not mind being bold or daring in her appearance. This Liz Black dress is minimal and stunning with a circular shape. The garment is also part of her Fall-Winter 2011 collection.

Designer Liz Black is a fashion fringe finalist. She maintains that Lady Gaga has always been an inspiration to her. Liz is truly moved a flattered that Gaga is wearing one of her garments in this years collection. This piece is from Liz Black’s debut collection which is inspired by a futuristic theme with minimal items.

FCM will continue to follow Liz Black as she ascends through the Fashion Fringe competition. We wish her the best of luck. I hope she wins the competition. Her new collection is very creative and wearable.


Azhar Harris

International Bridal Issue Coming Soon!

Here is a sneak preview of International Bridal Cover for the May 2011 issue. It is a double cover. The editorial is titled "Golden Bride" This issue features Italian Fashion Photographer Alessandro Mari. Others include Marco Bigotti , Model Ilaria Capponi, Makeup & Hair Giuseppe Bicceri, and Dresses Luca Rondoni-LR Design.

The issue hit newstands on May, 2011.


Azhar Harris

Valentino is VA Vroom

Valentino Fall 2011 collection is amazing. His brand continues to have the pulse of understanding the silhouette of the women’s body. This season he has designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli inspiring and leading the brand. They emphasize a light and demure look that is very feminine juxtaposing lace and sheer detailing.

The look is smart and mature. This collection also features the gauzy dresses which is the signature of these designers. But for the Valentino Fall collection, they expanded the pieces to have an airy look that mixes structured separates for day, floral printed gowns with different trend python accessories. Regardless of the style, an ethereal feel ran through the entire collection. The thick fur worn by Patricia Van Der Vliet and the laser cut leather skirt on Daphne Groeneveld was breathtaking.

Chiuri and Piccioli have the ability to take materials that dense and imbue juxtaposing them to lightness. Technique illustrates the strength of their powerful design signature. It also shows these designers enormous talent.

Azhar Harris

It’s Retro for fall 2011

Regardless of style and budget, the staple fashion accessory is beauty. Clothing constantly changes, beauty trends have the tendency to last longer. In fact, beauty trends often go beyond the normal trends evolving into one’s personal style. Fall 2011 does not disappoint. The 2011 collections are beauty’s inspired that are wearable and adaptable. The beauty trend is ‘90s inspired with afresh, modern and updated twist.

Retro beauty is the recurring theme, but each designer must recreate this style to make it appealing to a modern audience. The fall 2011 catwalks had a strong showing of retro-inspired beauty that resembled the ‘60s in New York fashion week. The retro theme then moved on to the European fashion shows. The retro theme is eclectic with mod and flower power inspirations and ranging from ‘40s and ‘50s glamour to ‘90s grunge.

The most prominent retro look of the season was Peter Philips for Jil Sander. His retro beauty look very polished and controlled reminding you of Alfred Hitchcock’s stunning iconic leading ladies like Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, and Tippi Hedren. Philips brilliantly creates this pristine look resulting in a flawless demi-matte complexion. Peter uses a cool shade of aqua eyeliner across the eyelid, finished off with perfect lashes and impeccably groomed eyebrows. The look is accentuated with red lips. Hair is coiffed and perfectly lacquered. Diane Von Furstenberg has a 50s chic look. Gucci had‘70s twist on ‘40s glamour .The look consisted of metallic doe-eyed lids with exaggerated lashes and deep burgundy stained lips. Then we have the most popular retro beauty trends a modern soft slept-in look reminisce of ‘60s sex-kitten. This look was seen at Carolina Herrera, Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana shows.

Azhar Harris

Model on the Move: February-March 2011

This month’s cover Model Kiersten Brada is a ferocious model. She is only 17 years old.

This girl has that it factor of confidence
and talent.

Currently, she is represented by Ford Models
in Los Angeles.

Kiersten can transform herself into
any character effortlessly in front of the camera. According to FCM photographer Gail Bowman, Kiersten needs little direction. Her energy just flows from there. She also display s a full range of facial emotion at a moments notice.

She moves her body gracefully resembling an experienced model. I am in awe of her talent and charisma.

Kiersten has a passion for modeling. This model really loves being in front of the camera. Looking at the pictures, the camera also loves Kiersten too. She is an extremely hard working model who is very focused and driven. What next for the fashion superstar? Acting or Victoria’s Secret? Only Kiersten knows. What ever she decides, FCM will be there to capture the spectacular moment.

Please take the time to check out Kiersten in our February Issue. You can see this issue by clicking on the banner Keirsten on the cover below.

Photo Credits:

Gail Bowman (Photographer) http://www.gailbowmanphotography.com
Char Sanchez (Hairstylist) http:// www.charhairandmakeup.com/
Flora Wade (Make-up) http://www.florawade.com/
Daniel Magana (Fashion Designer) http://www.danielmagana.com/
Kiersten Brada (Model) http://www.fordmodels.com


Azhar Harris

Winning Couture Fashions at Golden Globe Awards 2011

Fashion Chicago Magazine (FCM) watches the golden globe awards for the outfits that the svelte celebrity actresses wore as they strut sown the catwalk. 2011 is an exciting year for fashion. The golden globes are your first glimpse of Couture fashion this year. Just like previous years, 2011 did not disappoint our readers. There were lots of vivid color this year. The make-up was simple with hollywood vintage hairstyles and classic updos. FCM want to point out two outfits the created a buzz. The red dress worn by January Jones. The smooth peach ensemble worn by Claire Danes.

January Jones was absolutely stunning wearing a red fringe gown by Versace on the Golden Globe red carpet this evening. Her look was completed with Old Hollywood waves and a classic red lip. Viva la Glam!!!

Claire Danes wore a custom Calvin Klein Collection dress as she strutted down the red carpet of the Golden Globes. She competed her look with pink lips and simple updo. Her look very classic, chic, and elegant.

Both outfits were very chic and elegant. These garments can be worn with minimal accessories such a clutch purse and diamond earrings. As seen, the use of vibrant colors like Red and Peach will be a growing trend with Couture fashions this season. Versace, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, and Vera Wang were among the staple of designers who had celebrities flaunt their garment at tonight’s Golden Globe event.


Azhar Harris

Spring 2011 Beauty Trends

FCM readers are you tired of winter? We would like to give you a the 411 on all the colors for beauty this spring. These colors are vibrant, fun, and flirty. Here is what was recently spotted at Spring 2011 Fashion Week in New York City.

First, the make trend for spring willl be Violet makeup. The colors range from pale lilac to bright violet, and purple makeup. This color was especially worn in eyeshadow during fashion week. Violet is the bold color of choice next season. A must have new item for Spring 2011 is Lancôme’s Violet Groove polish on nails.

This beauty trend was spotted at Jason Wu, Chris Benz, Monique
Lhuillier, Rag & Bone, Victoria Beckham, & Whitney Eve fashion shows.

Gold Metallics is another beauty trend for Spring 2011. Whether it was glittery eyelids at Anna Sui or gilded lashes and lips at Rodarte, gold has replaced 2010's pearly silvers as the must-have metallic for 2011. This trend was

Spotted at: Anna Sui, Behnaz Sarafpour, Donna Karan, Rodarte, and Thakoon fashion shows.

Now that you have your beauty trends for spring 2011, it should be a very fashionable summer. So ladies have fun with your Girls Night out!

Azhar Harris

Bronze and Olive are the new Black for Fall 2011

Fashion Chicago Magazine (FCM) wants to give it’s readers the scoop on the hottest colors for Fall 2011. We all know that you can’t go wrong with basic Black. A girl has at least two Black dresses in her closet. But, in 2011, it’s an exciting new year . It’s time for an exciting new change. So I am going to look into my crystal ball. Predict which colors are gong to be hot. I will also give you a sneak peek on this colors in this article.

Bronze colors are in. This color exudes confidence when wearing it. As seen in this picture to the left, the underlying theme is Avant-garde and prevailing chic. Further, when Olive colors juxtaposed with shades of pale goldenrod is alluring.

Greenish yellow tones are also in. This color has an underlying theme of being romantically sensual. This color also is nostalgic. It is fused rhythmically with bold saturations of aquamarine and dark sienna. Copper flecks pop amidst soft patterns of royal blue velvet.

Now that you have the heads up on fall 2011 colors it’s time to go shopping to buy some new outfits to coordinate with your current wardrobe. These colors should provide lots of energy in the bleak Winter months. After sprucing up your wardrobe, you should not have a problem getting ready for the Summer 2012 which should be a scorcher.

Azhar Harris

FCM Magazine’s Fashion Year in Review 2010

Now, the the year has ended, FCM would like to discuss some of the highlights and low points of 2010 in the fashion industry. Some fashion insiders say that this was a very show stopping year in terms of uniqueness. Turbans became the must have hair accessory after the movie Sex in the City 2. Carrie looks exquisite in her Multicolor Silk Turban pictured here. This accessory really make that peach silk asymmetrical dress pop. Jessica Parker is a fashion darling. She can make just about rock any outfit. Fashion designer worldwide adore her. Her fans are always holding their breath anticipating what she will be wearing next on the red carpet.

Retro fashion for Vogue Germany August 2010 by Alexi with vintage theme collections also made a return in 2010. For example, there were a plethora of retro inspired editorials. The fall 2010 consisted of sophisticated apparel with a feminine twist. Prada, Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu fall 2010 collections were inspired by 50s housewives and 60s divas. Here we have Abbey Lee Kershaw Lubomirski. This dress is amazing give us that 1950's sultry look. I love this outfit can be worn to social dinners, cocktail parties, and girl's night out.

One person really redefined fashion with her breathtaking outfits that were full of creativity and personality. Her name is Lady Gaga. The fashionista was setting the world on its ear with her melodic beats and sultry voice. During that same time, she was redefining fashion every time she stepped out of her house. The paparazzi could not get enough of her. She just totally rocked MTV’s VMA’s. Lady Gaga strutted down the red carpet wearing the gold Alexander McQueen gown that was worn at her Vanity Fair shoot. This outfit was topped off with a mohawk made of feathers.

The extreme low point of 2010 was the suicide of fashion Icon Alexander McQueen on February 11, 2010. He killed himself nine days after his mother committed suicide. According to the authorities, the Police were called to the designer's £640,000 flat at 10.20am this morning after he was found dead. McQueen apparently has hung himself. A private ambulance arrived to take away his body at 4.30pm.

During McQueen’s career, In 1996, McQueen was appointed chief designer at Givenchy in Paris. This move sparked controversy in the French fashion community. His tenure there ended quickly in 2001 when he sold 51% of his McQueen label to Givenchy's rivals at Gucci Group.

McQueen opened flagship stores in New York, London and Milan. Alexander developed a number of fragrances. In 2006, a ready-to-wear line called McQ that is now distributed in 39 countries. He was given the award CBE in 2003, the same year as he was named international designer of the year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Pictured here is the spring collection of Alexander McQueen 2011.

Alexander McQueen was a visionary and ahead of his time. FCM will miss this fashion icon. We will create an award calling it the Alexander McQueen rising star for the most creative up and coming cutting edge fashion designer in the world.

Azhar Harris

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