The ‘Hooligan of English Fashion’, world renowned UK fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead at his home yesterday. Authorities have not revealed the circumstances surrounding the death of the fashion icon and those close to the openly gay McQueen have asked for privacy in regards to them.

An official statement released by the Alexander McQueen Fashion Design House reads:

“On behalf of … McQueen’s family, [we] today announce the tragic news that Alexander (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.”

McQueen’s sudden and shocking death comes just weeks before his 41st birthday (March 17th) and the start of London Fashion Week where he was to reveal his new collection (March 9th).

Reports on News.com.au speculated that the star may have committed suicide after becoming severely depressed following the recent death of his mother Joyce, to whom he was very close.

On McQueen’s Twitter, which has since been removed, he wrote comments hinting at his negative mental state, saying: “I’m letting my followers know the my mother passed away yesterday. If … she had not [had] me nor would you. RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”, “but life must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” and “sunday evening been a fucking awful week but my friends have been great but now I have to some how pull myself together…”

Born the youngest of 6, McQueen left school at the age of 16 and pursued a series of tailor apprenticeships, before heading off to the renowned St. Martin’s Collage of Art and Design where he earned a Masters in Fashion.

As a both a designer and a personality, openly gay Alexander McQueen rocked the fashion world with his wild, daring and bold creativity, and ‘in your face’ frankness. His fashion shows were more of a baroque theatrical experience than a standard fashion show, and coupled with his amazing creative output, changed the way fashion was perceived forever.

He was named ‘British Designer of the Year’ multiple times between 1996 and 2003, and in 1996 was named head designer at the staid Paris couture house Givenchy.

Following his first collection for Givenchy he went on to establish his own label, Alexander McQueen fashion design house which was part of the Gucci group, earning a place on the top catwalks of the world, and a legion of devotees from supermodels and magazine editors worldwide to First Lady Michelle Obama, actress Sarah Jessica Parker and more recently singers Lady Gaga and Rihanna. You might recognise McQueen’s amazing ‘Alien shoes’ from Lady Gaga’s recent video for Bad Romance .

The death of the bad boy of fashion – known more affectionately as Lee – has devastated every corner of the fashion world, and heartfelt tributes already pouring in from a legion of big names like Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and UK modeling icon, Kate Moss.

Original Text:

http://www.samesame.com.au/news/international/5081/Alexander-McQueen-Found-Dead.htm