Gone Too Soon: Alexander McQueen

British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, better known as Alexander McQueen, unexpectedly passed away on February 10, 2010 in his London flat. Although his untimely death is tragic, McQueen will also be remembered for his innovative fashion designs and more importantly for his charismatic belief in chasing one’s dreams.




McQueen was born in March 1969 in London, England to Ronald McQueen a taxi driver and Joyce McQueen, a science teacher. As the youngest of six children he was constantly constructing apparel items for his older siblings and at age 16 he felt such a deep calling to pursue fashion, that he dropped out of school and obtained and apprenticeship with Savile Row tailor Anderson & Sheppard. McQueen recognized his opportunity to learn as much as he could in tailoring and before long he was offered various promotions for different Savile Row tailors.



After successfully mastering real world experience in design, McQueen completed his education and graduated with his Masters Degree in Fashion Design from London’s most prestigious fashion school, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. This was a pivotal point in his life, for the wardrobe collection he designed for his final semester was purchased by British magazine editor and international style icon Isabella Blow. McQueen now had a worldwide stage to display his designs and his career skyrocketed.



McQueen’s designs were often considered outrageous and cutting edge to mainstream society, however the designer always remained true to his creations and in fact used the criticism to fuel his inspirations. Even at time when many outsiders felt he was gambling his opportunities due to his rebellious style and attitude, McQueen possessed the uncanny ability to see beyond the conventional and realize the unthinkable. This ability to think outside the box made him the recipient of many awards. He was the three-time winner of The British Designer of The Year Award, named The International Designer of The Year of The Council of Fashion Designers and was awarded the title Commander In The Order of The British Empire, by Queen Elizabeth.



Along with his Haute Couture line, Alexander McQueen, he had a secondary line McQueen and a discount line for Target called McQ. McQueen’s talent to appeal to all individuals coupled with his savvy business sense, are major factors that lead to his success. Even people who are not in tune to the fashion world are touched by McQueen’s death. William Fickbohm, a graduate student at FSU, who’s interest is outside of the fashion says, “I understand how great this loss is for the fashion industry, I have read various articles about him in the Wall Street Journal illustrating his huge impact on the business side of fashion”. The fact that people outside of fashion know who McQueen is, proves what a major impact this designer had on society.

Although Alexander McQueen can never be replaced, his artistic talents and passion for the creative realm of fashion will always live on. McQueen set the great example that reaching unconventional goals requires unconventional means. He is an inspiration to every individual who has a dream.