--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You can only go forward by making…" description: "\"You can only go forward by making mistakes. I'm twenty-seven, not fifty-seven. I'm not Givenchy, I'm Alexander McQueen.\" — Alexander McQueen" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1e/alexander-mcqueen-3419_failure_you-can-only-go-forward-by-making-mistak_2756367.jpg" --- # You can only go forward by making mistakes. I'm… ![“You can only go forward by making mistakes. I'm twenty-seven, not fifty-seven. I'm not Givenchy, I'm Alexander McQueen.” quote by Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1e/alexander-mcqueen-3419_failure_you-can-only-go-forward-by-making-mistak_2756367.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1e/alexander-mcqueen-3419_failure_you-can-only-go-forward-by-making-mistak_2756367.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1e/alexander-mcqueen-3419_failure_you-can-only-go-forward-by-making-mistak_2756367.jpg) > “You can only go forward by making mistakes. I'm twenty-seven, not fifty-seven. I'm not Givenchy, I'm Alexander McQueen.” [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Mistakes are stepping stones; youthful vigor fuels learning, unlike complacent age. **In simple terms:** Mistakes teach; youth is an advantage. Key Takeaway Learn boldly, regardless of age. Themes growth mistakes youth Mood motivational encouraging Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career development - creative projects - personal setbacks - skill acquisition Key Concepts fashion psychology learning theory Questions to Reflect On - What mistake taught you the most? - How can you keep youthful curiosity later in life? A Different Perspective Fear of failure can stall progress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Givenchy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/givenchy/) [Making mistakes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/making-mistakes/) [Mistake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mistake/) [Mistakes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mistakes/) [Twenties](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/twenties/) ## Related quotes > [When I'm dead and gone, people will know that the twenty-first century was started by Alexander McQueen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/when-i-m-dead-and-gone-people-will-know-that-the-twenty-first-century/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [Walking the runway with Alexander McQueen, I really had to dig deep. You're with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. I was the first person…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aimee-mullins/walking-the-runway-with-alexander-mcqueen-i-really-had-to-dig-deep/) [Aimee Mullins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aimee-mullins/) > [I like edgy but classic looks - like Chanel mixed with Alexander McQueen. My personal style is edgier. My closet is just black, gray,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashley-benson/i-like-edgy-but-classic-looks-like-chanel-mixed-with-alexander/) [Ashley Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashley-benson/) > [I think Alexander McQueen was very, very special. When I went to his first show, I couldn't speak because I was so enthralled. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/polly-allen-mellen/i-think-alexander-mcqueen-was-very-very-special-when-i-went-to-his/) [Polly Allen Mellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/polly-allen-mellen/) > [I live in a lot of Alexander McQueen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-winston-wolkoff/i-live-in-a-lot-of-alexander-mcqueen/) [Stephanie Winston Wolkoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-winston-wolkoff/) > [Alexander McQueen... The fashion world has not only lost an icon but we have also lost a very special friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donatella-versace/alexander-mcqueen-the-fashion-world-has-not-only-lost-an-icon-but-we/) [Donatella Versace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donatella-versace/) > [It has been the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress, and I have enjoyed every moment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-burton/it-has-been-the-experience-of-a-lifetime-to-work-with-catherine/) [Sarah Burton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-burton/) > [People constantly make the mistake of comparing London with New York, Milan and Paris and that's not what it's about. London has its own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-wintour/people-constantly-make-the-mistake-of-comparing-london-with-new-york/) [Anna Wintour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-wintour/) > [I get to wear Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen and crazy stuff, but of course, my mom would never in a million years let…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chloe-grace-moretz/i-get-to-wear-vivienne-westwood-and-alexander-mcqueen-and-crazy-stuff/) [Chloe Grace Moretz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chloe-grace-moretz/) > [I am equally fascinated and awed by visiting an Alexander McQueen show as I am looking under a microscope.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neri-oxman/i-am-equally-fascinated-and-awed-by-visiting-an-alexander-mcqueen/) [Neri Oxman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neri-oxman/) > [Alexander McQueen was one of the greatest fashion designers of his generation. His genius, sometimes provocative, admired and saluted by all, constantly opened new…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francois-henri-pinault/alexander-mcqueen-was-one-of-the-greatest-fashion-designers-of-his/) [Francois-Henri Pinault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francois-henri-pinault/) > [My favourite designers are Alexander McQueen, YSL, Eskandar, Donna Karan and Lanvin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-robinson/my-favourite-designers-are-alexander-mcqueen-ysl-eskandar-donna-karan/) [Anne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-robinson/) > [I like Stella McCartney, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Aaron Featherstone, normal Chanel if I can ever afford it, I'd be wearing that all the time!…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brittany-snow/i-like-stella-mccartney-chloe-alexander-mcqueen-aaron-featherstone/) [Brittany Snow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brittany-snow/) > [I'm a London girl, so I grew up on Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood... Dior, Chanel, the usual suspects.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natalie-dormer/i-m-a-london-girl-so-i-grew-up-on-alexander-mcqueen-and-vivienne/) [Natalie Dormer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natalie-dormer/) > [R.I.P. Alexander McQueen, a kind soul and brilliant creative genius. Sad and shocking. You've touched us all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-zee/r-i-p-alexander-mcqueen-a-kind-soul-and-brilliant-creative-genius-sad/) Joe Zee ## More by Alexander McQueen > [Fame should be left to the film stars.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/fame-should-be-left-to-the-film-stars/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-want-people-to-be-afraid-of-the-women-i-dress/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I like the concept of dressing people. I used to not care whether people bought the clothes or not, but I kind of like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-like-the-concept-of-dressing-people-i-used-to-not-care-whether/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [You can get insular with fashion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/you-can-get-insular-with-fashion/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [If you ask any lady they want to be taller, they want to be slimmer, you know, and they want a waist. I'm not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/if-you-ask-any-lady-they-want-to-be-taller-they-want-to-be-slimmer/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I'm mad in the front of my mind, but business-minded in the back.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-m-mad-in-the-front-of-my-mind-but-business-minded-in-the-back/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [It's the ugly things I notice more, because other people tend to ignore the ugly things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/it-s-the-ugly-things-i-notice-more-because-other-people-tend-to/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I am married to work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-am-married-to-work/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [My relationships with producers or photographers - these are relationships that took years.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/my-relationships-with-producers-or-photographers-these-are/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I don’t want to do a cocktail party. I’d rather people left my shows and vomited.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-don-t-want-to-do-a-cocktail-party-i-d-rather-people-left-my-shows/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I am a melancholy type of person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-am-a-melancholy-type-of-person/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I just want to be a wallflower. Nondescript. Just not anything. I don't want to see me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-just-want-to-be-a-wallflower-nondescript-just-not-anything-i-don-t/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [For me, what I do is an artistic expression which is channeled through me. Fashion is just the medium.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/for-me-what-i-do-is-an-artistic-expression-which-is-channeled-through/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I'm interested in designing for posterity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-m-interested-in-designing-for-posterity/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) > [I come from a different era and I design clothes for our era. I think of people I want to dress when I design.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mcqueen/i-come-from-a-different-era-and-i-design-clothes-for-our-era-i-think/) [Alexander McQueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) [Explore all 131 Alexander McQueen quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mcqueen/) ## More Failure quotes > [When you do things they're absolutely right at that time for you and it can always teach you something about yourself. You can take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kym-marsh/when-you-do-things-they-re-absolutely-right-at-that-time-for-you-and/) [Kym Marsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kym-marsh/) > [Failures happen. You can't cry over them. You just take it in your stride because you know that you have done your best... Sometimes,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/divya-dutta/failures-happen-you-can-t-cry-over-them-you-just-take-it-in-your/) [Divya Dutta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/divya-dutta/) > [No one is completely unhappy at the failure of his best friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/groucho-marx/no-one-is-completely-unhappy-at-the-failure-of-his-best-friend/) [Groucho Marx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/groucho-marx/) > [“Rhiannon's Law #28: If you're going to fuck up, be sure to fuck up good and proper. Nothing makes failure acceptable, so you might…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/rhiannon-s-law-28-if-you-re-going-to-fuck-up-be-sure-to-fuck-up-good/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Failure is a part of life and you have to learn to deal with it. Failure is something that is part of life's cycle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colin-powell/failure-is-a-part-of-life-and-you-have-to-learn-to-deal-with-it/) [Colin Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colin-powell/) > [If my child had prejudice in his head, I'd be ashamed. I would see it as my failure as a parent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salman-rushdie/if-my-child-had-prejudice-in-his-head-i-d-be-ashamed-i-would-see-it/) [Salman Rushdie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salman-rushdie/) > [First action was a mistake. What about the second? third? fourth and fifth?...Mehn you are bad...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/first-action-was-a-mistake-what-about-the-second-third-fourth-and/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [God's love never fail :)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/god-s-love-never-fail/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Don’t you just hate nights like that, when you think over every mistake you’ve made, every hurt you’ve received, every bit of meanness you’ve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlaine-harris/don-t-you-just-hate-nights-like-that-when-you-think-over-every/) [Charlaine Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlaine-harris/) > [“Our failure to understand another being's inner reality doesn't make that reality any less real, or any less valuable to that being. (p.255)”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathryn-schulz/our-failure-to-understand-another-being-s-inner-reality-doesn-t-make/) [Kathryn Schulz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathryn-schulz/) > [I hope that the Palestinians don't make the mistake of unleashing a new intifada. They've tried it twice before, and the consequences were bad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-segev/i-hope-that-the-palestinians-don-t-make-the-mistake-of-unleashing-a/) [Tom Segev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-segev/) > [Don't take too much comfort in the fact that you're successful today because tomorrow could bring failure. There's no surety in life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-savage/don-t-take-too-much-comfort-in-the-fact-that-you-re-successful-today/) [Michael Savage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-savage/) > [“It took me years to learn to sit at my desk for more than two minutes at a time, to put up with the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erica-jong/it-took-me-years-to-learn-to-sit-at-my-desk-for-more-than-two-minutes/) [Erica Jong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erica-jong/) > [failure in the theater is more public, more brilliant, more unreal than in any other field.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lillian-hellman/failure-in-the-theater-is-more-public-more-brilliant-more-unreal-than/) [Lillian Hellman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lillian-hellman/) > [As we are coming to the end of the year, I want you to forget about the past, the failure, the negative thoughts or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/as-we-are-coming-to-the-end-of-the-year-i-want-you-to-forget-about/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Browse all 27,498 Failure quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "You can only go forward by making mistakes. 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