British Fashion Designer Alexander McQueen Dead

Four-time British fashion designer of the year, Alexander McQueen, whose real name is Lee McQueen, has been found dead in his luxury flat in Green Park, central London at the age of 40 and just days before the start of London Fashion Week. While it is not known exactly how or why as yet, some media sources (see Daily Mail's report, Alexander McQueen's despair at mother's death: Designer hangs himself on eve of her funeral) are quoting a possible suicide however reports that he had taken his own life have not been confirmed by police or McQueen's publicists. However, in it's article Fashion world mourns death of Alexander McQueen, the BBC News has reported that the police are not treating the death of Mr McQueen, 40, as suspicious.

Alexander McQueen - Humble Background

From a humble background, the youngest of six children from a working-class family, Alexander McQeen dropped out of school at age 16 to pursue a career in fashion design. He started as an apprentice tailor in London's East End with top traditional Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard and from there progressed to Gieves & Hawkes and also to costumiers Angels and Bermans. From humble beginnings, McQueen worked his way up to the top of the British fashion industry and fashion icon status.

Alexander McQueen - Bumster Jeans

When he was 20, McQueen applied for the psoition of pattern cutter tutor Central St Martins College of Art & Design, London's most prestigious fashion school. From the strength of his portfolio, it is said that the Director took one look at his portfolio and on the spot persuaded him to enrol in the Masters Degree course himself. McQueen graduated in 1991. At age 21 he moved to Milan to work with Romeo Gigli and returned in 1992 when he opened his own studio in the East End of London with his low slung "bumster" jeans, becomming the hipsters that every chic wore. In her twitter tribute, actress Kirstie Alley wrote "Alexander McQueen, you made big bottomed and not-so-big bottomed girls all over the world look stunning... come back soon... give it another go."

Alexander McQueen - Hooligan of Fashion

Alexander McQueen was controversial and as Reuters UK reports in its article Fashion world's provocateur McQueen dead at 40, he "had an ability to shock and his autumn/winter 1995 collection 'Highland Rape' which featured dishevelled looking models in torn clothing was considered a classic example."

In its Obituary: Fashion king Alexander McQueen BBC News comments that "His close-cropped hair, Doc Martens and feisty attitude earned him the label 'the hooligan of English fashion'. But he went on to silence many of his critics with his renowned tailoring skills and his clothes always remained popular." He rose from teenage apprentice tailor to runway darling before the age of 30!

Alexander McQueen - Head of Givenchy

By 1996 Alexander McQueen had succeeded John Galliano as the head designer at the Paris couture house of Givenchy. McQueen stayed at Givenchy for four years and then moved on to Gucci.

Alexander McQueen - Moves to Gucci

In December 2000 the Gucci Group bought 51% of Alexander McQueen's company with McQueen as its Creative Director. Expansion followed with boutiques opening in London, Milan, New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. In January 2006 the brand launched McQ, a more affordable line of denim-based ready-to-wear, menswear, womenswear, and accessories. Alexander McQueen's McQ line was due to be shown at New York Fashion Week yesterday afternoon but the show was cancelled.

Alexander McQueen - Runway Fashion Shows

Alexander McQueen was well known for pushing the boundaries. As can be seen from the following video clip of the release of the Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010 collection, just as his fashions, Alexander McQueen's runway fashion shows were outstanding. Although sometimes bizarre, they mixed design, technology and performance in a remarkably theatrical and spectacular way.

Titled “Plato’s Atlantis“, it was the third in a series of collections relating to the relationship of mankind with earth and according to McQueen casts an apocalyptic projection of the future ecological meltdown of the world. In prints depicting the skin of reptiles the dresses are just gorgeous, stunning and dramatic. The shoes are just futuristic and grotesquely outrageous but equally magnificent!

Alexander McQueen - A Celebrity Favourite

Alexander McQueen's edgy creations were often spotted on the red carpet. His edgy pieces were coveted by chic and stylish women world wide including the ultra glam and fashion forward Victoria Beckham, Tyra Banks, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker as well as Rihanna, Lady GaGa, Madonna and Icelandic singer Bjork.

Alexander McQueen - 1969-2010 R.I.P.

Alexander McQueen was controversial and inspiring with an incredible influence on young fashion designers. He was a very talented and creative designer who has established himself as one of the most influential designers of today. He died at a very young age. So, so sad and such a huge loss. Alexander McQueen R.I.P.