Alexander McQueen - Our March Style Icon

Alexander McQueen 17th March 1969 - 11th February, 2010

Alexander McQueen, known to his friends as Lee came from a modest background, growing up in a council house in East London. He was the youngest of six children, his father was a cabbie and his mother taught social science. By the age of sixteen his interest in fashion took hold and he left school and took an apprenticeship at tailors in Saville Row. From tailoring in Saville Row and a variety of experiences he eventually moved to Milan at the age of 21 to work with Romeo Gigli. He completed a Master's Degree in fashion design at the renown Central St Martins College and his MA 1992 collection received media attention and established him as an up and coming young designer.

Jack the Ripper Stalks his Victims.

His reputation as a theatrical designer with cutting edge styles proceeded to make McQueen known and bring him much acclaim on the world stage.

He won the British Designer of the Year Award in 1996 and in 1997 and was then employed by Givenchy whereafter he immediately dismissed the label's founder and subsequently his first collection for Givenchy was almost dismissed. However, his reputation allowed him to survive this although certainly did nothing to dispel his reputation as a petulant bad boy "L'enfant terrible".

Givenchy Line

Again in 2001 and 2003 he won the Brisitsh Designer of the Year Award and then Gucci purchased a controlling interest in the McQueen line, giving him a greater creative license.

In 2003 he was presented with the International Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and also received a CBE. By 2007 he had opened boutiques in cities all over the world and celebrities were wearing his designs at all the red carpet events.  He was renown for his fabulous tailoring, outrageous style and incredible talent.

Sadly, on the 11th February, 2010 Alexander Lee McQueen was found dead at his Mayfair home, just days after the death of his mother, who he adored. It is clear however, that the name, the designs and the legacy of Alexander McQueen will continue to live on in the world of fashion, couture and design. 

Alexander McQueen....A Tribute