The History of the Iconic Alexander McQueen

This has been a tragic day in fashion.....Earlier today British fashion icon and designer to the stars, Alexander McQueen was found dead at his London home.

Alexander McQueen (first name Lee) was born in 1969 as the youngest of six children. Leaving school at age 16 but before turning 30, he had become one of the most respected fashion designers in the world and let's not mention a FASHION ICON! The provocative designer’s death comes just days before the start of the London Fashion Week. McQueen was also set to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9.

At 20, he became employed by the designer Koji Tatsuno. And then a year later, he began working as a design assistant to Romeo Gigli in Milan.He later earned his master's degree in fashion design at Central St. Martins College after returning to London in 1994. English magazine editor and international STYLE ICON, Isabella Blow,assisted in his massive exposure and would later come to be regarded as her protégé. He was appointed chief designer at French label Givenchy in October 1996, succeeding John Galliano. Although he was facing many constraints creatively he continued working there until March 2001. In December 2000, he became the creative director for the luxury brand Gucci, which acquired 51% of his company, Alexander McQueen. This partnership developed plans for expansion, including flagship stores in London, Milan and New York, as well as the launch of his perfumes Kingdom and, the recent, My Queen.

In 2005, McQueen collaborated with Puma to create a special line of trainers for the shoe brand.
McQueen had the honor of becoming the first designer to participate in MAC’s new campaign featuring cosmetic releases created by fashion designers. McQueen, his collection, was released in October 2007 reflecting the looks used in his Autumn/Winter collection previewed on the catwalk.

In 2007, Alexander McQueen had expanded to boutiques in New York, London, Los Angeles and Milan.
By July 2008, his company’s website launched the Alexander McQueen Internet store where shoppers can purchase ready-to-wear and accessories online.

McQueen was a four-time winner of the British designer of the year award as well as the international designer of the year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was awarded the CBE in 2003.

I was saddened after receiving this news this morning! And I knew I had to at that point write a brief blog on his history and great impact on fashion. Alexander McQueen .......Chic, breath-taking, remarkable, beautiful, classic....he was extraordinary! He inspired many and will continue to inspire! Gone, but never forgotten! This is a great and tragic loss for the industry of fashion ! He was and will forever be an Icon!

Until next Time ....

-The Trendsetter