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>>

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