British fashion designer Alexander McQueen dies

Written by Dana Karlson
11.02.2010

British designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his home today at the age 40.  McQueen, who also went by the name ‘Lee’ was just 40 years old.  Already a prolific fashion icon, the designer was scheduled to show his Autumn/Winter 2010 collection in Paris in the following month.  McQueen’s death comes just a week before the start of London Fashion Week, and three years after the death of Isabella Blow.  Blow, who was the fashion director at Tatler, is credited with discovering McQueen.  She famously bought every piece from his first collection for £5,000.

McQueen was born in London’s East End in March 1969.  At the age of 16, the designer dropped out of school and turned his focus on fashion.  He honed his tailoring skills at Anderson and Shepherd on Saville Row, before starting his own line in 1992.  McQueen went on to win the British Designer of the Year Award four times.    Regarded as ‘enfant terrible,’ the designer was known for his avant-garde collections and dramatic runway productions.  McQueen later added Designer of the Year by the CFDA and CBE to his CV.

His ever-evolving fashion was monumental and definitive.  From utilising gothic theatrics to creating an apocalyptic underworld, McQueen was entirely unique and ground-breaking.

Alexander McQueen’s fashion house has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family.”

We have lost an extraordinarily talented man, may he Rest In Peace.