Fashion world mourns loss of “genius” designer Alexander McQueen
By ANIFriday, February 12, 2010
LONDON - The fashion world is mourning the shock suicide of British designer Alexander McQueen, best known for producing some of the most controversial collections of the past two decades.
The iconic fashion designer hanged himself because he was overcome with grief following his mother Joyce’s death 10 days ago, reports The Mirror.
The stars of the industry paid tribute to McQueen, 40, and hailed him as the brightest talent of his generation.
Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, said: “McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds.”
Designer Jeff Banks said: “He was a strange combination of intellect and manufacturing capability.”
Fellow British designer Katharine Hamnett said: “He was a genius. What a terrible, tragic waste.”
The body of McQueen, whose real Christian name was Lee, was found yesterday at his flat in London’s Mayfair. Joyce’s funeral had been due to take place today.
For the past few days McQueen was posting a series of Twitter updates that showed how traumatised he was following his mum’s death.
On February 3, he said: “My mother passed away yesterday if it she had not [had} me nor would you RIP mumx.” A minute later he added: “But life must go on!”
On Sunday evening McQueen wrote: “Been a f****** awful week but my friends have been great but now i have to some how pull myself together.”
A close friend said: “We are all in a state of total shock. Nobody can believe this has happened.
“He was obviously so close to his mum and was devastated by her death. But nobody saw this coming. His private pain must have been unimaginable.”
Devastated Kate Moss scrapped all her business engagements following the news of McQueen’s death.
A source said: “Kate is obviously really upset.”
Victoria Beckham led showbiz tributes, saying: “Today the fashion industry has lost a true great. An icon. He made all he touched beautiful and will be desperately missed.”
Naomi Campbell, described by McQueen as his muse, said: “I am truly devastated to lose my close friend. His talent had no boundaries and he was an inspiration to everyone.”
X Factor judge Cheryl Cole, who regularly wore his designs, said: “Fashion has lost one of its most inspirational figures.”
Actress Helena Bonham Carter declared: “It’s absolutely tragic. What horrible news.
“It’s just horrendous to think that someone was so devastated by his mother dying. He had such lovely vision, originality comes quite hard these days.” (ANI)
