McQueen is iconic because he was not in the fashion industry for long but for the time he was, he managed to blow everybody away. His gift for tailoring allows to him to create the imaginative designs he is known for and to construct breath taking runway shows.

Key elements of McQueen's aesthetic include: Roman Gothic/Victorian-inspired pieces, like dark colours, thick fabrics, and red lace. Frequent references to armour or pieces that are “protective” of the woman wearing them. Highly sophisticated tailoring, stemming from his background in London making men's suits.