Unseen McQueen: New Artwork Celebrates Alexander McQueen Retrospective

American Express has today unveiled a striking new tableaux created by acclaimed fashion photographer Nick Knight, using unseen photography captured backstage at the iconic 2004 American Express: McQueen Black Event. The commission celebrates American Express’ support of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the V&A and marks another milestone in the Company’s relationship with Nick Knight.

This spectacular piece, entitled ‘Black’, is a stunning snapshot of McQueen’s work as showcased at the 2004 event, which was co-hosted and curated by Alexander McQueen.

Using material shot backstage at the event, Knight has created an unique tableaux showcasing 35 breathtaking outfits modelled by Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Gemma Ward and Lily Cole amongst others, representing the full breadth of McQueen’s vision

The American Express: McQueen Black Event saw McQueen show in London for the first time in several seasons and kicked off with a dramatic showcase of black pieces; some from the archive and others designed specifically for the night.

At the event, Nick Knight was asked by McQueen to photograph each model backstage with a view to creating a composite image for the future; a vision that, 11 years on, has now been realised.

“As a close collaborator and friend of McQueen, I had the honour of filming many of his photo shoots from the mid-nineties onwards,” says Nick Knight.

“McQueen was so excited as he neared the completion of the collection for the American Express Black event, he insisted we found a way to shoot it behind-the-scenes at Earls Court where the show was being held. He knew the Black Event was an important moment that should be preserved and shown to the world, so this project has been a great way for me to reflect upon and celebrate our working relationship.

“We both knew we had the ingredients to make an incredible image; now, to coincide with the opening of Savage Beauty at the V&A, it has been a fantastic opportunity to partner once again with American Express, immerse myself in the project and finally produce the image to honour Lee in a unique way.”

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is at the V&A, London until 2 August 2015, in partnership with Swarovski and supported by American Express.