Alexander McQueen, fashion designer, dies at 40

Lee Alexander McQueen, CBE (March 16, 1969 – February 11, 2010) was an English fashion designer known for his unconventional designs and shock tactics. McQueen worked as the head designer at Givenchy for five years before founding the Alexander McQueen and McQ labels. McQueen's dramatic designs, worn by celebrities including Rihanna, Björk and Lady Gaga, met with critical acclaim and earned him the British Fashion Designer of the Year award on four separate occasions.

Death of Alexander McQueen
McQueen's death was announced on 11 February 2010, shortly after he was found dead at his home on Green Street, London W1, where paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. McQueen's death came days before London Fashion Week, although McQueen was not scheduled to show. The Associated Press reported that the circumstances of the death indicated a possible suicide; Police have stated that the death was not suspicious, but have not confirmed that the death was a suicide.

On 3 February 2010, he wrote on his Twitter page that his mother had died the day before, adding: "RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx." Four days later he wrote that he had had an "awful week" but said "friends have been great", adding: "now i have to some how pull myself together". Her funeral is due to take place on 12 February 2010.