Long Live McQueen.

British fashion designer, Alexander McQueen

  The fashion world hit a stand still on Thursday when the news that legendary British fashion designer, Lee Alexander McQueen had committed suicide on the eve of his mothers funeral.
  Speculation mounted that McQueen had been unable to come to terms with the death of his beloved mother, Joyce, who died on February 2 and whose funeral was to be held on the Friday. His mentor and close friend, Isabella Blow took her life three years ago - this is also a speculated reason for McQueen's death.
  In a Guardian interview in 2004 between Joyce McQueen and her son, she asked him: "What is your most terrifying fear?" to which McQueen replied "dying before you". "Thank you son," said Joyce. "What makes you proud?" He replied: "You."
  A spokeswoman for the designer said: "At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family," Unconfirmed reports suggested that he had hanged himself.
  His death comes just days before London Fashion Week, which is due to open on February 19, and as final preparations were being made to unveil a spring collection in Paris.
  We can truthfully say that the four times designer of the year will be deeply missed, and his death will have a huge imapct on the fashion industry. Lee McQueen was known for his outlandish and shocking designs, also creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance. Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, said: "Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. He was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over."
  I thank you McQueen for the joy and excitement you gave. You're an icon, a legend, a genius, and you'll be remembered as this forever. Rest well.

Research courtesy of timesonline.co.uk

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