Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand…

McQueen left school at 16, landing himself an apprenticeship with Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, in old Burlington street, London. He then worked for Gieves & Hawkes and the famous theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans. At the age of 20, he spent a period of time working for Koji Tatsuno before traveling to Milan, Italy and working for Romeo Gigli.  Leaving Lee McQueen with a great deal of influence.

McQueen returned to London in 1994 and applied to London’s most prestigious fashion school, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design to work as a pattern cutter tutor. Due to the strength of his portfolio he was persuaded by the Head of the Masters course to enrol as a student.

He received his Masters degree in Fashion design and famously, his graduation collection was bought in its entirety by influential fashion stylist, Isabella Blow – who also died from a suicide in 2007 –  was considered to be an international style icon.  It was said that Isabella persuaded McQueen to change his name from Lee to Alexander (his middle name) when he subsequently launched his fashion career!

Some of Alexander McQueen’s accomplishments include being one of the youngest designers to achieve the title “British Designer of the Year”, which he won four times between 1996 and 2003!  He has also been awarded the CBE, as well as being named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards.

Alexander McQueen’s reputation as the bad boy of fashion, he has pushed boundaries creating controversial and contemporary designs that never fail to shock and inspire. His mix of impeccable precision tailoring and creative genius is why he is still one of the most sought after designers to date!

McQueen was an accomplished scuba diver and used his passion as a source of inspiration in his designs. An undersea influence was seen in his October 2009 fashion show, “Plato’s Atlantis”.  Much of his dicing was done around the Maldives.

There is no doubt that Alexander McQueen was one of the greatest haute couture artist that has ever existed. His early influences helped him develop to an incredible artist. His vision’s are both sexy and bold.

McQueens creations will not be forgotten and his contribution to the fashion world will carry on forever.

Kate Moss wearing Alexander McQueens shoes.  He once wore a tee shirt saying “I LOVE KATE MOSS!”

He will be missed…

Farewell to you Alexander McQueen and thank you for all your wonderful creations!

xoxo Karin

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