TRAGIC LOSS - ALEXANDER McQUEEN

The British fashion industry has lost one of its brightest stars with the apparent suicide of Alexander McQueen, aged 40.

McQueen’s creations adorned celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna & Lady Gaga & was known for his flamboyant & outrageous styles.

The designer had been grieving over the death of his mother, Joyce, who died on February 2 & was due to attend her funeral today.

The loss of one of the most commercially successful and respected British designers ahead of next week’s London Fashion Week is exceptionally sad. The UK’s The Times reports friends as saying that he had been under pressure to complete his autumn/winter women’s wear collection for next month’s launch in Paris. One of his lines, McQ, was due to be shown at New York Fashion Week yesterday but was cancelled. The designer was also known to be upset that a recent relationship had ended.

McQueen recently described the suicide of his mentor — the style icon Isabella Blow — as “the most important thing he had learnt in fashion”. During a newspaper interview conducted by his mother, McQueen was asked what was his most terrifying fear. He replied: “Dying before you.”

McQueen had an estimated £20 million fortune in 2006 & was renowned in the fashion industry for his fragile temperament.

Shoppers passing McQueen’s shop in Old Bond Street, Mayfair UK, laid flowers and a candle outside. The store closed soon after the news of his apparent suicide. A spokeswoman said that it was likely to remain closed in the coming days, as would McQueen’s other stores around the world.

The company’s website states: “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.”

RIP Alexander McQueen, you were an amazing talent.

(Image Credit: msnbc.com)

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