Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2001 runway show, famously known as “Voss,” is one of the most iconic and provocative moments in fashion history. The show was staged in a large, mirrored glass box, creating an atmosphere of both voyeurism and entrapment. The audience, seated around the box, could see their reflections but not the models inside until the lights were turned on. This setup was a metaphor for the themes of madness and confinement, inspired by psychiatric hospitals.
The collection itself was a haunting exploration of beauty and horror. Models wore intricate designs that combined natural elements with a sense of decay and transformation. One of the most memorable pieces was a dress made from razor clam shells, which shimmered with an eerie beauty. The show culminated in a dramatic finale where the glass box shattered, revealing a naked model wearing a gas mask, surrounded by live moths. This shocking moment was inspired by Joel-Peter Witkin’s painting "Sanitarium". It underscored McQueen’s ability to blend fashion with performance art.
