ONE SMALL SEED MAGAZINE Issue #27 Digital 02 | Page 47

McQueen and Hirst shared a similar fascination
for finding the magnificence in the morbid –
McQueen found beauty in everything: ‘what
‘normal’ people would perceive as ugly, I can
usually see something of beauty in it,’ the skull
motif an obvious illustration of this. Their rebellious
and controversial behaviour is magnified by their
theatrics – especially in their views on death as
Hirst thinks that ‘suicide is the most perfect thing
you can do in life,’ which is ironic since McQueen
performed his own dramatic death.
Fashion and art are often paired because of their
ability to inspire, express and expose – whether it
be a painting or piece of clothing. Even though
the expression of these ideas and thoughts can be
met with criticism, Hirst and McQueen have never
been deterred from pushing the boundaries.
The overwhelming tangle of colours, insects,
shapes and sharp objects have also morphed
into a short film entitled Alexander McQueen &
Damien Hirst Scarf Collaboration: A Film, directed
by Sløve Sundsbø in 2013. The film is a sublime
portrayal transposing the material objects into
magical masterpieces – giving life to each scarf.
A melancholic score evokes a heightened sense
of drama, while models move mysteriously with
their faces and limbs fully covered by the flowing,
silky scarves ultimately coming together to form
shapes that represent the designs.
The crossovers between art, fashion, film and
other creative mediums are seamless – illustrating
the success of this exclusive partnership between
two formidable forces.
‘Fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a
form of imprisonment’ – McQueen certainly never
felt restricted. Hirst shares this sentiment as he
embarks on showcasing his own art collection of
about 2000 pieces (ranging from Frances Bacon
to Banksy) at the new Saatchi Gallery in London
set to open in 2015. There really are no limits to
the imagination!