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British fashion genius Alexander McQueen commits suicide, aged 40
Justin Davenport, Crime Editor11 Feb 2010
Britain's foremost fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead after taking his own life.
The 40-year-old Londoner was found this morning at an address in Westminster. He had hanged himself. McQueen had revealed on his Twitter page that his mother died a week ago.
His death comes three years after his close friend, Isabella Blow — who helped him become a star — committed suicide. Scotland Yard said they had been called to an address in Green Street, thought to be McQueen's home, by the ambulance service at 10.20am.
A spokeswoman said a man, aged 40, had been found dead. She added: “The death is being treated as non-suspicious.”
Alexandra Shulman, editor of Vogue, said: “He was the most brilliant designer of his generation and his influence can be seen in the way that women dressed over the last 15 years. It is an incredible loss not only for British fashion but for fashion the world over.”
The designer, the son of an East End cabbie, posted a string of worrying posts on his Twitter page after the death of his mother Joyce.
On February 7 he wrote: “sunday evening been a ****ing awful week but my friends have been great but now i have to some how pull myself together.” On February 3: “I'm letting my followers know my mother passed away yesterday RIPmum xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.”
He then followed it up with: “but life must go on.”
McQueen, who was born in the East End, trained in Savile Row and went on to make suits for Prince Charles and Mikhail Gorbachev.
He was British designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003, was awarded the CBE and was named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designers.
His death, a week before the start of London Fashion Week, shocked the fashion world this evening.
Sue Whiteley, former CEO of his business, said: “This is devastating news. He was an unforgettable part of my life. He was a talent who was beyond others. People who worked with him would give 100 per cent and more because he was totally inspiring.
“This is an unimaginable loss for the fashion world. He was able to bring creativity to whatever he turned his hand to, from perfume bottles to every piece of clothing. It is a dark, dark day. He was a British icon in fashion whose loss is unimaginable.”
A source at McQueen's office this afternoon confirmed his death, saying: “It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family.”
At Central Saint Martins College his entire graduation collection was bought by the fashion stylist Isabella Blow, who was to become his close friend. He began to use his second name Alexander, rather than his first name Lee, because he felt it sounded better for a couturier.
From 1994 he produced a collection each season and in 1996 attracted particular attention with the introduction of his “Bumsters” low-waisted trousers.
In the same year, he succeeded John Galliano as the head designer at fashion label Givenchy and the same year was voted British Designer of the Year for the first time.
In 2000, he joined the Italian fashion house Gucci to open new stores in London, Milan and New York.
This afternoon tributes poured in from the fashion world.
Designer Vivienne Westwood was "incredibly sorry" to hear the news, a spokesman said.
Designer Matthew Williamson said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by McQueen's death. He was a genius and his talent was second to none.
"Like many others, I always cited him as a hugely inspirational leader of world fashion. He will be greatly missed."
Katherine Hamnett said: "He was a genius. What a terrible, tragic waste."
Reader views (19)
What a legend, I'm studying Fashion and Marketing at university and he has always been my hero! Love his collections and it's such a shame he won't be with us to bring out his new collection next week at fashion week.
Rest in peace Alexander and mother
You will be sadly missed 
- Naomi Cartwright, Leamington Spa, 11/02/2010 23:05
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Shocked and in tears. What a horrible tragedy...
RIP.
- Princess Ariane, London, Paris, Tehran, 11/02/2010 17:58
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Sometimes people just find life too painful and are overwhelmed by it all - so very, very sad.
- Alison Petrie, Cheshunt, Herts, 11/02/2010 17:57
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I guess if you have done that well in life and still not happy what is the point.
- Brian Fast, sydney Australia, 11/02/2010 17:45
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I want to remember him by the still vivid memory I have of him marching into Selina Blow's Elizabeth Street boutique one day. This was in 1996 and I was a Central St.Martins student doing my work placement as production assistant. He was closly followed by Issabella Blow; a vision in a charcoal grey silk Alexander Mcqueen suit and Philip Treacy hat.
While fashion has lost a great talent our thoughts are with his family and friends.
- Patrizia Fiorenza, Venice ,Italy, 11/02/2010 17:35
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Was lucky enough to work for him and remember he came over to a young scruffy work experience boy to shake my hand. So many people in fashion are not real artists. He was. Thanks for giving me a break.
R.I.P.
xxx
- Alan, battersea, 11/02/2010 17:18
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I will always love you Alexander 4 ever in my hart!!!!!
- Theo, italy milan, 11/02/2010 17:09
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Shocked, saddened, such such sad news. He was so so special. We are all poorer for his loss. I respect talent and he had it in bucket loads. It's not just pop stars who can stress out.
Now come on you young ones - be inspired to take great English talent forward......he left so many ideas to build upon.
- Guy M., SWINDON WILTS UK, 11/02/2010 16:43
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I suppose Turning 40 and then suffering the death of his mother so soon made his suffering unbearable.
He will in his prime visually and commercially. He had every thing to live for.
Poor man. God rest his soul.
- James From Camden, London, 11/02/2010 16:31
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Oh its very very sad God Bless him and his Mother my prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.
- Linda Cliff, London, 11/02/2010 16:21
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How very sad.A true original with a gift for surprising even those of us who don't care about fashion.
- Amoreno, luxembourg, 11/02/2010 16:15
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What a terrible loss, he really was one of the most talented British designers of all time.
It's a very sad day.
- Adam, Soho London, 11/02/2010 16:07
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He was and always will be a gleaming beacon of light. May he rest in deserved peace.x
- Mark Anthony, London England, 11/02/2010 16:06
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What a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his many admirers. R.I.P.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 11/02/2010 16:03
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A mummys boy .. who wanted to be with his mom - RIP and may gods loving angels take care of you now!
- Raminder Bhalla, Northolt, 11/02/2010 15:57
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What a tragic loss!! He was such a genius.Why??
- Tf, Bromley, 11/02/2010 15:55
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I can't believe it - we have truly lost a wonderfully talented and orginal man who has flown the flag for British fashion & design throughout the world. His work right through from his early career has been full of shock, wit, humour, drama, darkness and theatre, which earnt him the moniker of the 'enfant terrible' of British fashion. Our thoughts should be with his family at this terrible time. Lee you were inimitable but you will live on through your work and the people you have inspired.
- Randommc, London, UK, 11/02/2010 15:46
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RIP Alexander...
A tragic loss, you'll never know how much your inspiration mean't to people like myself.
Sleep tight.
- Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, London Town, 11/02/2010 15:37
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Wow. So sad, he was my inspiration to take textiles for GCSE and he was the reason i want to be a designer (im 16). He was truly amazing, creative and a genius. I cried when i found out. What a pity, i thought there were going to be many more collections to come from him, but now...
:'(
- Ria Moore, Cambridge, 11/02/2010 15:35
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