Alexander McQueen
Just like most famous designers, Alexander McQueen has made his name a regular in the fashion world. Alexander McQueen died on February 11, 2010. His tragic death has been a shock to the fashion world, especially on the first day of fashion week 2010. It was days before London Fashion Week, and a month before the designer was to showcase his new collection in Paris.
Alexander McQueen was found dead shortly after 10am, at his home. So far, the only event linked to his death is the passing of his mother, which occurred earlier this month, February 2nd to be exact. “We are devastated and in shock,” said Samantha Garrett, the communications director for the Alexander McQueen fashion house.
McQueen started designing at the age of 16, when he was offered apprenticeship at Savile Row tailors Anderson and Shephard. At the age of 21, he moved to Milan to assist designer Romeo Gigli. He returned to London in 1994, where he gained his fashion degree at Central St Martins College, by fashion figure Isabella Blow.
In less than 10 years, the designer has made quite a name for himself. In 1996, he was appointed chief designer at French label, Givenchy, where he worked until March 2001. Finally, in 2000 Alexander McQueen became a brand owned by Gucci. Flagship stores were opened in New York, London and Milan.
McQueen was respected as designer. His designs were very unique, as were his fashion shows. He went to the highest levels of fashion, known as ”enfant terrible” or “anarchist designer” of the industry. “This world I live in, this fashion world, is so unrelated to what’s going on around the world,” he said, “So what I try to do is to take parts of the world people in my world don’t want to see and bring it to them.”
McQueen's Alien Shoes
So where have we seen McQueen’s designs? His designs have been featured in fashion magazines for sure, fashion websites and worn by the rich and famous. Do you remember those crystal studded high “alien boots”, that showed up everywhere? Those were McQueen’s design. The “alien boots” also appeared in Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” video. One may not associate anything with the name, but when you look at what the person has accomplished, it is clearly a lot.
The fashion world mourns Alexander McQueen, as well as many celebrities. He will be missed, but he has made his impact on the world and that is why he will not be forgotten. “His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs,” says Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue.
