Erin O'Connor, supermodel and current Marks and Spencer cover girl will give a talk in conjunction with the V&A's major exhibition of the year: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.
Erin O'Connor Alexander McQueen
Erin O'Connor modelled in many of the late, great designer's shows. Her unique and radical look perfectly complimented the designer's individual style with a notable example being O'Connor's performance in the VOSS show, 2001.
"It's probably the most exciting thing I've ever done in my career, to me it defines why I love my job", O'Connor told Nick Knight during a SHOWstudio interview.
VOSS show, McQueen
Forever pushing boundaries within the fashion industry, McQueen's VOSS show was set in an old lunatic asylum. The designer asked the model to perform in what would come to be known as one of the most exceptional pieces of fashion theatre, creating the dress especially for O'Connor. Part of the power of the performance had to do with the dress itself. The piece was made from razor clams, with each shell stitched individually into the garment. Before the show Alexander McQueen said to the model: "so you're in a lunatic asylum... I need you to go mental, die and then come back to life." With these directions still ringing in her ears, O'Connor created a magic on stage, losing herself in the soaring music and finally ripping the dress with her bare hands - she left the catwalk with palms covered in blood and her reputation as one of the best British models cemented.
Erin O'Connor, catwalk Queen
In this fashion talk at the V&A, Erin O'Connor will discuss her experiences of modelling for the designer in detail. The talk will provide a rare opportunity to hear of a model's experience in the industry and for audiences to enjoy the secrets and insider knowledge of what happens behind the scenes.
Erin O'Connor Alexander McQueen
Erin O'Connor modelled in many of the late, great designer's shows. Her unique and radical look perfectly complimented the designer's individual style with a notable example being O'Connor's performance in the VOSS show, 2001.
"It's probably the most exciting thing I've ever done in my career, to me it defines why I love my job", O'Connor told Nick Knight during a SHOWstudio interview.
VOSS show, McQueen
Forever pushing boundaries within the fashion industry, McQueen's VOSS show was set in an old lunatic asylum. The designer asked the model to perform in what would come to be known as one of the most exceptional pieces of fashion theatre, creating the dress especially for O'Connor. Part of the power of the performance had to do with the dress itself. The piece was made from razor clams, with each shell stitched individually into the garment. Before the show Alexander McQueen said to the model: "so you're in a lunatic asylum... I need you to go mental, die and then come back to life." With these directions still ringing in her ears, O'Connor created a magic on stage, losing herself in the soaring music and finally ripping the dress with her bare hands - she left the catwalk with palms covered in blood and her reputation as one of the best British models cemented.
Erin O'Connor, catwalk Queen
In this fashion talk at the V&A, Erin O'Connor will discuss her experiences of modelling for the designer in detail. The talk will provide a rare opportunity to hear of a model's experience in the industry and for audiences to enjoy the secrets and insider knowledge of what happens behind the scenes.
| What | Erin O'Connor: Modelling McQueen, V&A |
| Where | V&A, South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL | MAP |
| Nearest tube | South Kensington (underground) |
| When |
On 16 Apr 15, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Price | £10 |
| Website | Book here via the V&A's website |
