Death Comes Swiftly, and Prematurely, to a Master: Alexander McQueen, 1969-2010
The shocking news of Alexander McQueen’s death rocked the fashion world today—ironically enough, on the first day of New York Fashion Week. McQueen, 40, was found dead in his London home. The British Fashion designer was known for his wild shows and his uncanny sense of style, his bold, his daring, his star quality.
That star has now fallen from the sky. Initial reports from Women’s Wear Daily and The New York Times report that McQueen’s death was a suicide, a sad end to a glorious career.
McQueen-whose real name is Lee-burst onto the fashion scene in 1995 and London had never been the same. The Central St. Martins graduate had no shame when it came to dousing the human form with whatever came into his head—fresh flowers, or even blood. The designer sent shockwaves through the crowds, and the industry, with his first collection, calling it “Highland Rape” and adorning the models’ ripped clothes with blood. It was beyond risky but enough to get legendary French fashion house Givenchy calling; two years later McQueen became their chief designer. In 2001 he left to start his eponymous label that has since expanded into menswear, accessories, fragrance, and eyewear, and even a second line, McQ.In 2003 McQueen was honored by Queen Elizabeth as a Commander of the British Empire.
The Alexander McQueen website has announced the news on its home page, asking for for all to respect the family’s privacy during this tragic time. Surely everyone will abide. The fashion world will not be the same without his magnificent contributions.
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