Photographer Nick Knight has paid tribute to Alexander McQueen by creating a tableaux of previously unseen images taken backstage at his American Express: McQueen Black Event in 2004.

The spectacular piece, entitled 'Black' - which was commissioned by American Express and features models Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Lily Cole - has been produced to celebrate the opening of the V&A's Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition and offers a never before seen view of the McQueen Black event, which was co-hosted and curated by the late fashion designer.

During the show, Nick was asked by McQueen to photograph each model backstage with a view to creating the image in the future.

The tableaux consists of 35 breathtaking shots to represent the full breadth of McQueen's vision for the show.

Nick said: ''As a close collaborator and friend of McQueen, I had the honour of filming many of his photo shoots from the mid-nineties onwards.

''McQueen was so excited as he neared the completion of the collection for the American Express Black event, he insisted we found a way to shoot it behind-the-scenes at Earls Court where the show was being held. He knew the Black Event was an important moment that should be preserved and shown to the world, so this project has been a great way for me to reflect upon and celebrate our working relationship.

''We both knew we had the ingredients to make an incredible image; now, to coincide with the opening of Savage Beauty at the V&A, it has been a fantastic opportunity to partner once again with American Express, immerse myself in the project and finally produce the image to honour Lee in a unique way.''

American Express' Vice President, Lisa Gregg said: ''Our partnership with the V&A and the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty retrospective has given us an exciting opportunity to work with Nick again and to commission this beautiful image, which is a wonderful tribute to our past collaborations with McQueen.''

The Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition at the V&A, in partnership with Swarovski and supported by American Express, is open in London until 2 August.