Designer Alexander McQueen Dies

The fashion world is in shock and despair over the unexpected passing of one of the world’s most formidable and innovative designers. Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home on Thursday. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed but reports are circulating that it was from an apparent suicide. London’s Metropolitan Police would only say that a 40 year old man was found unresponsive at an address in Green Street, central London. No further details were released surrounding the tragic situation. In a statement issued by his company, it is clear McQueen’s family members are reeling from the designer’s death and would prefer privacy at this time.

Alexander McQueen whose given name was Lee McQueen was a renegade designer of sorts. He has a reputation of being the rebel of the runway which earned him the title “the hooligan of English fashion”. Ironically enough his death coincides with the start of London Fashion Week which debuts next week. The London Fashion Week’s website paid homage to the late designer, stating “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Alexander McQueen’s untimely death. He was a unique talent and one of the world’s greatest designers. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time”. Eerily enough, on February 3rd 2010, the designer announced the death of his mother on his Twitter page. Four days later he noted he had ‘an awful week” adding “now I have to pull myself together”.

British designer Vivienne Westwood also commented on the loss of McQueen through Britain’s Press Association stating how “incredibly sorry” she was to hear the news.

McQueen was a favorite among celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sandra Bullock to name a few. The It Girl of the moment Lady Gaga a self-proclaimed fan of McQueen’s avant-garde designs gushed about the designer on in a recent interview CNN’s “American Morning”, “He is so pure and from within and I, he just generally inspires me…and I love when I can wear his clothes and sort of synthesize for my fans what it means to me, because I want then to escape through his clothes the way I do”.

The designer began his career by in London’s famed Savile Row and where he began making suits for Prince Charles. In 1991, stylist Isabella Blow bought his clothing line which was eventually became part of the Gucci Group based in Paris.

He received many accolades and awards from the fashion community. throughout his career including being honored as a commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. His spring/summer 2010 collection was hailed by Vogue as his best so far.

His death is a major loss to the fashion world. His designs were fantastical and imaginative. He is undeniably irreplaceable.