Lee Alexander McQueen at the finale of his Spring 2010 Ready To Wear Show, image from Style.com

The fashion world was shaken on February 11th to learn that Lee Alexander McQueen had committed suicide at age 40.  In the midst of New York Fashion Week, the loss of one of fashion’s best and brightest cast a shadow over Bryant Park.  McQueen’s shows were always cutting edge, exciting and daring.  His fashion vision was singular.

McQueen rose from a working-class background on merit of his incredible talent.  He worked through various apprenticeships on London’s Savile Row and honed his talent for tailoring before becoming head designer at Givenchy in 1996.  He went on to establish his own lines Alexander McQueen and McQ, where he was able to design without constraint.  He was honored as British Designer of the Year four times between 1996 and 2003.

McQueen dressed fashion trend-setters like Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna and Lady Gaga.  Lady Gaga wore McQueen in her Bad Romance video, including the fantastic (and scary) Armadillo shoes.

Lee Alexander McQueen and his dedication to individuality will be sorely missed by all of us.

View images from his runway shows at Style.com.
Find Alexander McQueen and McQ on beso.