Yesterday, at New York's Fashion Week, Alexander McQueen's secondary line was set to show. But alas, it was canceled due to the sudden death and reported suicide of the grandiose designer, a legend in his own time. Rumored to have been devastated over his mother's death, Hollywood heavyweights and the fashion world as a whole are mourning the loss of this daring designer. We took a look back at Alexander McQueen.
A Performance Artist
Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour described the designer as "one of the greatest talents of his generation". And while his clothing was impeccably tailored and always of couture quality, it was the theatrics of his shows that were so memorable. At his spring-summer 2010 collection show in Paris (picture at left) there were large screens featuring images of women struggling with snakes. At previous shows, wolves walked the runways and "angels" flew above the catwalk.
Red Carpet Star
His friends and fans included Hollywood's elite who are all mourning today. Stars were remembered the designer at the Valentine's Day premiere and released statements honoring McQueen. Sex and the City's Sarah Jessica Parker said, "There has never been anyone like him. And there simply never will be. It has been a privilege for all of us to know you. You will be indescribably missed."
A Music Man
While the designer was said to be very private, he was known to be a favorite to many of music's most outrageous artists including Madonna and Lady Gaga. The latter's hit "Bad Romance" premiered at his Paris show, and in turn the designer styled Gaga for the video which featured these "armadillo" shoes.
Private but Loyal
Of course one of his best friends was model Kate Moss whom he outwardly supported after she was photographed using cocaine in 2005. He was seen wearing a t-shirt saying, "We love you Kate" on the catwalk that year. In response to his death, her statement reads, "Kate is shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of her dear friend Lee McQueen. Her thoughts are with his family at this sad time. We would also ask that Kate's privacy is respected."
A Royal Rebel
While McQueen had many famous friends and of course a brilliant career, the designer started his life in much less luxurious circumstances. The son of a cab driver, McQueen started his career on Saville Rowe. Always a rebel, the designer wrote an expletive inside a suit for Prince Charles and then sewed it in the lining. However, it didn't take long for the designer to start his own line and become a huge success. In 2003, Queen Elizabeth II made McQueen a commander of the British Empire - quite a different experience with the royal family.
McQueen Missed
A designer of the likes of McQueen will probably never be seen again. His creativity and showmanship was unparalleled and he will be missed in across the worlds of music, fashion and of course Hollywood itself.
To the left: An Alexander McQueen wedding ensemble
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Alexander McQueen 1969-2010
Yesterday, at New York's Fashion Week, Alexander McQueen's secondary line was set to show. But alas, it was canceled due to the sudden death and reported suicide of the grandiose designer, a legend in his own time. Rumored to have been devastated over his mother's death, Hollywood heavyweights and the fashion world as a whole are mourning the loss of this daring designer. We took a look back at Alexander McQueen.
