Yesterday, the fashion industry has suffered a massive blow to its creative pulse.
The tragic news of the untimely death of Alexander McQueen could have a lasting effect on the industry. The 40-year-old committed suicide just days after the death of his mother, Joyce, last week. His mother's funerals was orginally scheduled for today, but has been postponed due the the untimely death of the Fashion superstar. He would have debuted his Fall 2010 collection on March 9th in Paris. Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of Vogue Magazine had this to say in memorium of the late designer, "We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen's influence was astonishing -- from street style to music culture and the world's museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss."
The youngest of six children, McQueen was born Lee McQueen, on London’s East-End. A son of a taxi driver, he began designing dresses for his younger sisters. At the age of 16 he began to pursue a career in design. McQueen was trained tailoring in
Savile Row, and in 1994, he enrolled in London's Central Saint Martins fashion school. After graduation, he began his own business in the city's East End.
In 1996, he was named head designer at Givenchy where he remained until 2001. He was known for his avant-garde couture gowns, theatrical presentations, and bold point of view. Throughout his career McQueen won many accolades for his artistry including being awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and being named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards. McQueen was also named British designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003.
McQueen was a force to be reckoned with in the Fashion industry and a favorite amongst Lady GaGa, Rihanna, and Nicole Kidman. As one of the most formative and innovative designers of our time his memory will be upheld for generations of fashionistas to come.
