Alexander McQueen vs Hell's Angels

Alexander McQueen is the famous British designer known for his wonderfully shocking and extravagantly tailored garments. Born in 1969, McQueen was the youngest of 6 kids and began making dresses for his sisters at a young age. He got his start with designer Koji Tatsuno before getting his masters degree in Fashion design, solidifying his name in fashion with his first collection. The collection was purchased by a famous stylist who practically launched his career as an internationally known fashion designer. 

Due to his astonishing and controversial designs and runway shows, McQueen made a reputation for himself in the fashion industry as dramatic and prolific. One of his major attributes to fashion was his creation of “bumsters” or low rise jeans. A major theme in McQueen’s collections was his use of skulls which were used in various different garments, later becoming his signature.

Unfortunately, Alexander McQueen took his life earlier this year just days before London Fashion Week. He was a leading fashion designer who pushed boundaries and did what he wanted to do no matter how much criticism he garnered.

In his latest collection released after his death, McQueen used his signature skull, making it mainstream. However, his latest skull designs closely resemble the Winged Death trademark of the Hells Angels. The bikers are now suing the late Alexander McQueen label for trademark infringement citing the use of the Winged Death logo and the use of their name on current merchandise such as scarves, clothing, rings and bags.

Reflection:

Alexander McQueen was quite an influential designer who had an extreme sense of fashion and style. He became widely known for his use of skulls and was the one who popularized the skull scarves that were and still are seen in stores and on celebrities.

Hells Angels have been around since the 1950’s and are thought of as bikers with a reputation for being loud, unruly and dangerous. Their Winged Death logo is depicted on their leather jackets, hats, key chains etc. However, just because a picture is trademarked shouldn’t restrict others from using a similar picture. McQueen’s skull designs in his latest collection are similar to the Hells Angels’ but are not identical.

Seriously, how many different ways are there to depict a skull with wings? There’s only so much one can do to change the look of a basic concept. Not allowing others to use such a common image because the Angels feel that it represents them is unfair. Actually, a logo, trademark or slogan can be used by a business so long as its not referring to an identical product, that its not being used in the same industry and that its not in direct competition.

Alexander McQueen is a high end fashion designer, he isn’t in the biker gang industry. Therefore those buying McQueen in no way associate his designs with a gang of hooligans known for their violent and belligerent ways. Classy high end fashions vs. violent, drug dealing biker gang? The two different uses of the skull and wing image can evoke numerous different associations/affiliations. Its silly to think that using the skulls in fashion and using the skulls as a representation of a biker gang is in infringing upon the Angel's rights.

Sources:

http://www.torontosun.com/life/fashion/2010/10/29/15880996-wenn-story.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_McQueen