Designer Alexander McQueen, 40, Found Dead
February 12th, 2010
British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead at his home, just weeks before he was due to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week. The cause of death has not yet been released, with his office releasing a statement saying, “It is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated.”
McQueen’s communications director Samantha Garrett confirmed the news to Reuters by telephone, saying, “He was found dead this morning [Thursday February 11].”
McQueen – who’s real first name was Lee – would have celebrated his 41st birthday in a little over a month.
A statement released by his office, and posted to his website, reads:
“On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home.
“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.
“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.”
Word of the designers death has shocked the fashion industry.
The Huffington Post reports that Vogue doyenne Anna Wintour “stormed out of BCBG when she got the news, much to the shock of the fashionable crowd”.
The British designer, whose wild and controversial creations were worn by A-list celebrities across the globe, was set to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9.
Nicknamed “the hooligan of English fashion”, the designer was named head designer at the staid Paris couture house Givenchy in 1996. He went on to form his own label, The Alexander McQueen fashion design house, which is now part of the Gucci group of brands owned by French retailer and luxury goods group PPR.
Tributes have already begun to pour in on Twitter, will celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe tweeting, “I cant describe the tragic loss of such a brilliant man and designer Alexander McQueen..R.I.P xo RZ”
