This afternoon I was shocked, saddened and deeply affected by the announcement of Alexander McQueen's reported suicide. At forty years old, Lee McQueen was a designer like no other, and his presence and unrestrained genius will be sorely missed in the coming fashion weeks.
The news, coming just days after the death of his mother and three years after the death of Isabella Blow, the fashion producer credited with his discovery, is being treated sensitively by the media, and this is something those close to McQueen will appreciate. The statement on his website, closed shortly after the confirmation of the death, reads simply
"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."
It is reported that McQueen hanged himself this morning in his London home, a thought that seems only to heighten the tragic sense of today's events. Watching his body being removed from the home bought tears to my eyes, tears for a loss resonating hugely both with me and those in the wider fashion world. The presentation of his lower priced line McQ, scheduled for this afternoon, has just been reported to be cancelled, shrouding the future of his main line and A/W '10 show, due to be shown in Paris next month, in doubt. We can all but wait.
RIP McQueen, you were one of Britain's leading lights and the fashion designer of the decade. You will not be forgotten.
GAH! I'm still in shock too, I couldn't believe it when you told me! And then I told my mum later on when I saw her, she was so surprised too. I still can't believe it.
ReplyDeleteHe was only forty as well, it's just shocking and so saddening.
He contributed so much in his time at Givenchy and completely revolutionised British fashion. RIP Alexander McQueen. XX
Watching them take the body bag away was horrendous, just imagine all the creativity and talent under it.
ReplyDeleteIt still hasn't sunk in.
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So sad i know. I think im the only person in the world who hasnt posted about this today. I think everyone else has done it for me! R.I.P
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so sad - fabulous creations x
ReplyDeleteI actually couldn't believe it when I heard that Alexander McQueen had comitted suicide... I was completely devastated. He was SUCH an incredibly inpsiring and talented designer - a true visionary. He will never be forgotten. RIP.
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xx