English fashion designer Alexander McQueen — who dressed celebrities like Adam Lambert, Amanda Bynes, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Michelle Tratchtenberg — was found dead in his London home early Thursday. Authorities say the style icon — famous for his use of tartan and tiny skulls on the runway — committed suicide.
Alexander was reportedly found hanged and police have said his death will “not be treated as suspicious.”
McQueen’s office confirmed news of his death in statement Thursday: “On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. 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….Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”
The company’s communications director, Samantha Garrett, says McQueen’s body was found this morning, but she had no further information on how the designer died.
McQueen’s death comes just days before the start of London Fashion Week and weeks before he was due to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9. One of his contemporary lines, McQ, was to be shown at New York Fashion Week Thursday afternoon. Despite his thriving career in design, Alexander had been struggling with the death of his beloved mother earlier this month. McQueen also never fully recovered from the suicide of his mentor, Isabella Bow, who helped the fashionista become a star before taking her own life three years ago.
Alexander McQueen was 40 years old. May he rest in peace…..