God Rest McQueen

Alexander McQueen spring 2010

While Googling info about Detroit's fashion scene, I stumbled on the sad news of Alexander McQueen taking his own life yesterday in London. Also the day of his McQ line's presentation which was canceled out of respect for the circumstances and his family.

My immediate book of business didn't grant much hands on experience with his collections, but to be in fashion and not take notice of his fantastical designs would require one to live under a very large rock in a very far off land. Even my mom knows who he is, largely because of Lady Gaga, but that says something too. My heart hurts for those that are so hugely talented but often times are ravaged by their limitless talent. Everyone can most likely name someone in their life who lives in the same unpredictable world. Regardless, fashion lost a visionary who drew from a creative swell that very few can tap and, perhaps it's that way for a reason.

More details from NY Magazine:

The Daily Mail is reporting that Alexander McQueen committed suicide. The British paper says the designer was found dead at his flat in London, and is believed to have hung himself. His mother had died a few days earlier. A source at McQueen's office confirmed the suicide, saying, "It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family." Details of his death have not been released yet. McQueen, who was discovered by Isabella Blow, was extremely close to the fashion editor. Blow killed herself in 2007.

McQueen was widely considered to be a genius in the industry. His whimsical designs moved many editors to tears; often the showmanship of his collections pushed them to feel something beyond mere fashion. He dropped out of school at 16 to learn tailoring on Savile Row, and it's tailoring that set his designs apart (his skill set was touted as the best in the industry). After he showed his degree collection at Central Saint Martins in London in 1994, editor Isabella Blow bought the entire line, cementing her role as his mentor. When Blow committed suicide, McQueen dedicated his spring 2008 collection to her.