Designer Day: Alexander McQueen

The greatly talented and now greatly missed Alexander McQueen was born in Lewisham London on March 17th 1969. His father, Ronald McQueen, was a Scottish taxi driver, and his mother, Joyce McQueen, a social science teacher.

Alexander was the youngest of 6 children and grew up in Stratford while attending Carpenter Roads Primary School. At a young age McQueen discovered his passion for fashion while making and designing dresses for his sisters. Leaving school at the ripe young age of 16, McQueen found an apprenticeship with Savile Row, and went on to hold apprenticeships elsewhere. The indelible experience and knowledge he gained from these enterprises helped him win such a reputation as "an expert in creating an impeccably tailored look".

After returning to London after a time in Italy, McQueen submitted an application to work as a pattern cutter at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Because of his dazzling portfolio, the Head of the Masters suggested he take the course as a student. When McQueen received his masters and graduated, fashion stylist Isabella Blow suggested he go by his middle name, Alexander, rather than his given name, Lee. And thus, Alexander McQueen was born.

McQueen's early shows gave him quite the reputation and he received mixed reactions from the London public. He became known for his intricate shows and outlandish show settings (i.e shipwreck 2003, and human chess game spring 2005). For these bizarre show ideas and out of the ordinary clothing designs, McQueen's collections "brought drama and extravagance to the catwalk".

Human Chess, Spring 2005

From 1996 to 2003, Alexander McQueen was known as the head designer at Givenchy, it caused a stir when it was revealed that he had beat out John Galiano for the position. With the end of his contract, McQueen was free to create his own line.

Accomplishments of Alexander include being one of those youngest designers to receive the title of British Designer of the Year winning it four times between 1996 and 2003 ('96, '97, '01, '03). In 2003 he was announced International Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers. December of 2000 McQueen acquired a partnership with Gucci who gained 51% of his label with him as the creative director. In 2005 he worked with Puma to create a line of trainers, and in 2006 Alexander released McQ, a younger, more hipster low priced line for men and women. McQueen was the first designer to create his own cosmetics line with MAC, the inspiration for the line came from Elizabeth Taylor's movie Cleopatra.

As for personal life, in 2000 McQueen unofficially married George Forsyth on a yacht in Ibiza. The relationship ended a year later, but they kept close contact.

On February 11th 2010 Alexander McQueen's death was announced. His house keeper found him in his wardrobe hanged by his "favorite brown belt". He left behind a letter saying "Look after my dogs, sorry, I love you, Lee". His funeral took place on February 25th 2010 and his ashes were scattered on the Isle of Skye.

His final collection was shown at Paris Fashion Week in 2010. After the confirmation of the continuation of his brand, Sarah Burton was named the new creative director. She showed her first collection in September of 2010 in Paris.

Alexander McQueen's legacy will live long past his death, and the continuation of his brand will continue to produce noteworthy clothing. Long live Alexander McQueen!

Sources: www.alexandermcqueen.com
                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_McQueen