Organisers have announced that Gary James McQueen, nephew of the late Alexander McQueen and former Head of Menswear Textiles at the House of McQueen, will launch York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2023 on 27th April at Yorkshire Museum at 7:30pm.

The event – Gary James McQueen: The Legacy - will run from 7:30pm – 10.00pm and will open with a showing of Guiding Light – a digital display by the visionary artist and designer that showcases his latest collection and highlights his remarkable technical expertise along with his futuristic approach to fashion and innovation.

This will be followed by a question and answer session with the designer, where topics will include Gary’s early life and career; his work with Alexander McQueen; how he is continuing the legacy of McQueen; the importance of digital fashion; and his journey into the art world. Guests will then be invited into the exhibition space to enjoy a drink and mingle with the designer himself.

Gary James McQueen explained: “I’m delighted to take part and support York Fashion Week this season. It’s imperative that we as an industry support the next generation of designers and creatives – something the organisers of York Fashion Week are clearly passionate about. I’m excited to meet a whole new community of creatives that bring a different energy to the industry, and to see more of York.”

Nicky Hayer, Creative Director at York Fashion Week added: “It’s an honour that such a renowned designer and trailblazer in terms of fashion innovation has agreed to take a central role in York Fashion Week and further strengthens our position and prominence as one of the leading fashion events in the North of England. As a recognised platform for grassroots designers and advocate of indie brands that are revolutionising the fashion scene, we’re really excited that Gary James Mcqueen will be sharing his vision for the future of fashion in a digital world and we’re really looking forward to welcoming him to the city.”

The announcement comes ahead of the launch of the calendar of events scheduled to be unveiled at 7pm on 10th March. Tickets for the events can be obtained by visiting www.yorkfashionweek.co.uk

York Fashion Week will return to the city from 27th April – 1st May. Across five days, the city will play host to a number of theatrical runway shows, intimate in-store events and dynamic installations all carefully curated for the fashion loving audience. The city will be taken over by events with Fenwick, Jigsaw and Browns Department Store, plus two headline runway shows at The Guildhall, which will feature all independent brands. Back by popular demand will be Fashion Avenue - a day of complimentary lectures and talks for students. Hosted by York content creator and lecturer, Kat Atkinson, the day is dedicated to the variety of avenues available to those keen to embark on a career in the world of fashion and will include highly acclaimed hair and makeup artist, Sonia Schofield, and the MD of Master Debonair, Simon Whitaker.

Key sponsors of York Fashion Week include NIMA, York BID, The Vices York, Blossom Cosmetic Clinic and The Guildhall.

About Gary James Mcqueen

Throughout Gary James McQueen storied career he has been at the forefront of British digital art and design. He worked alongside his uncle (Alexander McQueen) as Head Textile designer for Alexander McQueen.

Gary James McQueen is a digital art native and has produced digital and physical artworks for over two decades. His most well recognised and iconic artworks are 'Savage Beauty' which was displayed at the The V&A Museum and The Met Museum in celebration of Alexander McQueen and their intimate relationship.

Vanitas Skull is an iconic digital artwork which was utilised for the McQueen movie and was the official movie poster image. This has been translated into a lenticular artwork which is highly sought after by collectors around the globe. He has achieved great success with his lenticular artworks, which are sold worldwide at the West Chelsea Contemporary Gallery in New York and Austin.

In April 2021, Gary James McQueen was one of the first artists to enter the metaverse as he launched the first digital fashion show of its kind, supported by Epic Games and Sky Arts. He debuted an immersive art experience at the V&A Museum this September 2022, bringing his fine art and love of storytelling to virtual environments collaborating with leaders in this space.