FORTY-YEAR old Alexander McQueen astounded the whole world again. But in this case, the shock value brought tears to his followers.
Knowing McQueen as a cheerful spirit, his colleagues were in a state of shock upon hearing the news that he had taken his own life on Feb. 11, a few days before London Fashion Week and nine days after his mother passed away. No suicide note was discovered. Yet, they understood McQueen wanted to be where his heart is: His housekeeper found his lifeless body inside his wardrobe.
“We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen’s influence was astonishing , from street style to music culture and (then to) the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss,” commented Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in-chief, in an official statement.
McQueen, one of London’s popular haute couturiers, is best credited for his well-tailored suits for Prince Charles and his outrageous custom designs for singer Lady Gaga – lace and feathers. He also designed Sarah Jessica Parker’s cocktail dress with a butterfly headpiece for the premiere of the film version of Sex and the City. Also in his list of clients were Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz.
“It is sad that someone so dearly loved, admired and respected would have been in pain and unhappy. Alexander McQueen was one of my favorite designers. I think his creativity and innovation gave fashion a lot of energy and excitement,” said fashion designer Nicole Miller during the opening of Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week.
Though his rise seemed so incredible, he worked his way up through the narrow road of the industry. He started out as pattern cutter tutor until he was appointed as lead designer at Givenchy, following the success of John Galliano.
With his high fashion collection labeled Highland Rape, he earned the title “I’ enfant terrible” and casually called “the hooligan of English fashion.” Despite criticisms on his style statements, he recieved four British Designer of the Year awards in between 1996 and 2003.
“McQueen was a master of fashion, creative genius and an inspiration. Today, the fashion industry has lost a true great.
An icon of all time. He made all he touched beautiful and will be desperately missed. My heart is very much with his family and friends at this very sad time,” said British pop star Victoria Beckham on BBC.
And thus, designer Tommy Hilfiger agreed: “He was a young genius who crossed between couture and punk rock with reverence. He will be missed by all.” (Clint Holton P. Potestas)