Alexander McQueen Commits Suicide

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead at his London home on February 11^th, days before London fashion week, after he allegedly committed suicide. The 40-year-old, self-proclaimed homosexual was famous worldwide, winning the British designer of the year award four times. He was a controversial designer to say the least, known for his shock tactics and eccentric creations.

The founder of two labels, Alexander McQueen and McQ, the designer had boutiques in cities across the United States and Europe. His clothing has adorned celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicole Kidman, and Sarah Jessica Parker. McQueen's accomplishments include two perfumes, a special line of shoes with Puma, a partnership with Gucci, and a MAC makeup line.

Born into a working-class family in London's East End, McQueen always had a passion for fashion. His career began with apprenticeships with several tailors on Savile Row, a famous shopping street in London known for its traditional tailoring. It was here that he acquired the skills that would take him to the top of the fashion world. McQueen graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, an esteemed London fashion school, and went on to become head designer at Givenchy for five years.

McQueen was always a controversial designer, constantly pushing the limits of fashion. He was notorious for such creations as his "Highland Rape" collection which featured models in ripped clothing, and his "bumsters" jeans that were so low they literally bared it all. It was his outrageous and innovative designs that brought his label so much attention and garnered him so much success. The skull motif so often used in McQueen pieces became a well-known design of his that was copied worldwide.

McQueen apparently left a suicide note, which has not been revealed to the public. His mother had died nine days earlier. A McQueen collection is still scheduled to be presented during the upcoming Paris Fashion Week. This successful designer's talent and unique flair will be missed, but the mark he made on fashion will have a lasting effect.