Remembering Alexander McQueen
Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 11:30 AM 
Photo by Frank Mullin via Flickr user Barack Obama / Creative Commons
Image by Jason Reed / Reuters
Image by Jim Young / Reuters
The world has lost a tremendous creative talent in Alexander McQueen today. Above we pay tribute to his work by sharing a few of the Alexander McQueen ensembles that the first lady has worn over the past several years.
Ikram Goldman, owner of ikram in Chicago (and almost certainly the source of Mrs. O's fabulous collection of tailored Alexander McQueen pieces) told the Wall Street Journal:
“He was one of the important designers that really gave you a real show in Paris. His shows were rejuvenating. He was a force and I think this is a very sad day for so many people, not just fashion people but for creative people, too.”
Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, has also released a statement:
"We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen's influence was astonishing—from street style to music culture and the world's museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss."
For more on the designer's passing, Eric Wilson of the New York Times has a report, here. Cathy Horyn weighs in here. And the always insightful Robin Givhan writes here.
Alexander McQueen
Reader Comments (28)
Just read about this on WWD and my first thought went to Mrs. O and interesting how she had reworn Mr. McQueen's designs in the last few weeks. Did Mrs. O have a premonition? So sad. Mrs. T, you should also reference the feature you did on McQueen on this site. You had a picture of the design house with his name on it.
So sad. He made some out there designs and some great ones. Loved the suit Mrs. O wore on the Ebony mag cover. Still not a fan of the chalk stripe suit Mrs. O wore though. But rest in peace, Sir. He must have been in anguish about his mother's death, maybe? Who knows?
I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope he's at peace now. His contributions to the world of fashion will always be remembered.
RIP Mr. McQueen.
RIP Alexander McQueen. I like everyone else am in TOTAL SHOCK!! The Fashion Industry truly lost a GEM of a designer!! oh NOOOOOOO!! why Mr. McQueen WHY? Heartbroken!!
I just read the sad news! And I had no idea the gray dress we all loved so much was his! It is a sad day indeed.
His death is such a loss. A truly creative and innovative designer.
This is such a tragic ending to such a promising life. How profoundly sad that he was so profoundly sad that he could not go on. He's missed already.
He will be missed. He's one of the last true artists out there. His shows were theatrical productions.
Here's a video of that famous Kate Moss hologram at his 2006 ready to wear show in Paris. It is breathtaking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p6N_Ow5xRg&feature=related
I just sat with my mouth open when I saw the headline. I still can't believe it. He was such a nice man. Genius designer, charming guy, dog owner. I don't get it. He must have been so unhappy and I just hate that idea. I hope the initial rumours about suicide are misplaced, I really do. And last of all, what a loss for the fashion industry. I'm just gobsmacked.
I noticed that the Alexander McQueen mens collection for spring summer 2010 has some jackets with a handpainted effect around the edges of the lapels and button placket. I was reminded of the black jacket with white detailing Mrs O wore just recently... did we ever track down the designer for that?
A sad day indeed. A tremendous loss for the fashion community. Whatever unrest he experienced in life may he now find peace.
Very shocked at Alexander's death. I still remember when Vercace passed away. Terribly saddened by this.
I liked this guy very much.
So very sad.
His mother had died very recently, his grief probably contributed to his suicide. What a terrible sad waste of talent.
I heard the sad news today, oh boy! The fashion industry has lost a great icon.
I loved his playfulness with details...do you remember his Smoke Dress? Such humour. A sad loss indeed.
Charlene from Detroit said it all - How profoundly sad that he was so profoundly sad.
Hey Posh, the jacket that you're referring to is by Moschino.
How very sad. That tailored gray dress is one of my very favorites. RIP.
I'm in shock, I admire the pieces of his Mrs. O wore and especially the designs Lady Gaga has worn. It is so sad to know anyone is in so much pain that they will make such a permanent decision. I hope he is at peace. :*(
May God grant his soul rest. I find it truly amazing that so often some of the greatest creative minds are often the most tortured ones. Peace be with you Mr. McQueen...at last.
It is just sooooo sad to hear of his passing; and we wouuld think HE had it ALL together a successful career and a good life , his work is always a piece of art. Such great talent.......yet an empty life since his mothers passing.May his soul rest in peace.
@meta, That grey dress was a revelation!! So glad the first lady enjoys the full spectrum of fashion and not just one central designer.
I am not a fashionable person. I'm an army brat and a country girl, but I do love fashion as a spectator sport! I remember watching Elsa Klench as a kid. So it is sad when one of the fashion greats passes away.
What a terrible and tragic loss! How fleeting this world - May he rest now in peace.
It's so sad - Mrs. O wore his clothes well. He was a good designer. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Thanks Charlene in Detroit. I suggested that at the time but never went back to check.
Such sad news. Everything I've read suggests that he was a truly nice person, and of course his talent was indisputable. I am so sorry for his family and friends.
Alexander McQueen was a terrific man and a great designer. I had the priveldge of meeting him several times; he had a sarcastic sense of humor, a wonderful way of looking you straight in the eye while conversing and a wonderful spin on his personal style.
Everyone should have a little McQueen in their closet.
At Fashon Week in NY, many designers are taking a moment of silence for the fallen star of the fashion world.
McQueen's designs will live on. I hope Mrs. O. keeps that beautiful grey dress forever. I have never seen the Ebony cover before, and it is simply gorgeous...both Mrs. O. and the dress.