This morning Alexander McQueen was found dead in his home in London. On February 2nd he tweeted about the loss of his mother, saying “i’m letting my followers know the (sic) my mother passed away yesterday,” posted at 11:46 a.m. ”RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,” he added. Then came the tweet, ”but life must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” just one moment later. Although this account is not verified, it’s likely McQueen himself.
The timing could not have been more shocking. Next week is the commencement of London Fashion Week, which just celebrated 25 years, and McQueen would have presented his Fall 2010 collection in Paris this March. In the last round of shows, McQueen notably filmed a live broadcast of his show, which was a bold move. McQueen’s reputation in fashion is one shrouded in controversy and luminosity, and he was known as the “enfant terrible” and “the hooligan of English fashion.” In music and fashion, we are quick to throw around the words “brilliant” and “genius,” but McQueen was both those things. Iconic. Rebellious. Progressive. Dark. Romantic. I wanted to move to London to work for him. Full report after jump>>
Asked about reports of McQueen’s death, London’s Metropolitan Police said a 40-year-old man was found dead at an address in Green Street, central London.
They would not confirm his identity, and said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
“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,” said a statement issued from his company on behalf of the family of the designer.
“Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”
“We are deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Alexander McQueen’s untimely death. He was a unique talent and one of the world’s greatest designers. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time,” said a statement on the London Fashion Week’s Web site.
Fellow designer Vivienne Westwood was “incredibly sorry” to hear the news, a spokesman was quoted by Britain’s Press Association as saying.
I’m so devastated by this news. He was such an incredible designer and seemed to really hit his stride, design-wise, in the last 5+ years. His shows were beyond amazing. I hope wherever his spirit rests, it’s full of sparkle, beauty and peace <3