This May, the work of Alexander McQueen is to be the subject of an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

And here's a preview of the show, brilliantly shot by Solve Sundsbo, which has just been unveiled at the Ritz as part of London fashion week.

The exhibition is called 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty', runs from the 4th of May to the 31st July 2011, and has been organised by The Costume Institute to celebrate the late designer's extraordinary contributions to fashion.

From his postgraduate collection of 1992 to his final runway presentation which took place after his death in February 2010, McQueen challenged and expanded the understanding of fashion beyond utility to a conceptual expression of culture, politics, and identity.

Approximately one hundred examples will be on view, including signature designs such as the kimono jacket, and the Origami frock coat, as well as pieces reflecting the exaggerated silhouettes of the 1860s, 1880s, 1890s, and 1950s that he crafted into contemporary silhouettes transmitting romantic narratives.

Photography Solve Sundsbo/The Metropolitan Museum of Art.