We must start this post off by saying that no one will ever replace the late Alexander McQueen — he certainly was a one-of-a-kind designer. Whoever takes over the creative reigns of the McQueen brand has a lot to live up to as Robert Polet, president and chief executive officer of the Gucci Group (the company that has a majority stake in the McQueen line), has announced that the line will in fact live on without the late designer.
"We believe in the future of the brand. Lee was very proud of the people working in his company, and so am I.” he told WWD about the future of the brand. He also announced that the newest McQueen collection would be showing during Paris Fashion Week. Last week, as news broke of McQueen's suicide, his show at New York Fashion Week was canceled.
So, with future McQueen collections needing a sharp mind to conceive them, we have decided to toss a few names into the ring of who we think might be cool to try their hand at designing for the label. We came up with seven perfect contenders. Why seven? Because McQueen was a unique rebel, so we decided to honor that trait.
Hussein Chalayan
He designed a dress to look like bubbles. We really think this is enough of an argument.
Marc Jacobs
We know he's already super busy what with his own lines plus designing for Louis Vuitton, but Jacobs is known for being kooky at times and we think that he might bring just the right sense of New York avant-garde to the line.
Haus of Gaga
Um, have you seen what Lady Gaga's design team puts her in? They are out there and definitely rebellious enough to take the reigns as the creative force behind the brand.
Christian Siriano
He once worked for McQueen so he knows all about the brand's aesthetic. Plus, his clothes, although incredibly feminine, can verge on the experimental.
Milla Jovovich
She has her own Jovovich-Hawk line (with Carmen Hawk, pictured). She stars in sci-fi movies. Done.
Olivier Theyskens
At one time he designed for Nina Ricci, so he knows what's at stake when you take over someone else's brand. And, with a celebrity following already, Theyskens and his austere designs may bring a new voice to the McQueen brand.
Gwen Stefani
She's a punk rocker. She loves plaid and leopard print. And we're pretty sure that, like McQueen, she's worn a kilt at some point in her life. Did we mention she's a rock star? That seems like a lead qualification.
Who do you think should design for McQueen? Tell us in the comments section below!