We are devestated to learn that Alexander McQueen, such an incredible artist, has died today.
The 40-year-old designer, known as Lee, was widely regarded as one of the most talented of his generation.
McQueen was born in the East End of London on March 17, 1969. His father was a taxi driver and as a child he made dresses for his three sisters. As a teenager he apprenticed on Savile Row--where he made suits for Prince Charles and Mikhail Gorbachev --before attending Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.
It was his graduation collection that caught the eye of influential stylist Isabella Blow. The two became fast and dear friends until Blow committed suicide on May 7, 2007. McQueen dedicated his spring 2008 collection to her.
McQueen was named England's designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003.
"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," his office announced. "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.
Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman paid tribute to McQueen this afternoon: "Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."
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