Alexander McQueen's Death Shocks Fashion World

Alexander McQueen

The news of the apparent suicide of entertainer and eccentric fashion visionary Alexander McQueen donned a dark veil among the fashion world as the New York Fashion Week began on February 11, 2010. Even though you may not know this English fashion designer, you may be familiar with his work. He dressed celebrity divas such as Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna; Björk and Lady Gaga are often seen with McQueens bizarrely bold masterpieces. Even the First Lady, Michelle Obama was once seen in a McQueen's bold pinstriped suit.

McQueen was an avid scuba diver and "Plato's Atlantis" - his collection unveiled in October 2009 had been obviously influenced by his diving escapades in the Maldives. His collection envisaged intense colors depicting shoals of tropical fish, hybridization of women with sea mammals, trousers which mimicked skin of sharks and dolphins, and the infamous barnacle shoe-boots worn by the likes of Rihanna and Daphne Guinness.

He was recently grieving the loss of his three closest women who were devoted to him and he to them. Isabella Bello, the woman credited for kick starting his career, his Aunt Dolly often a fixture at his shows and just over 11 days ago, his much adored mother - Joyce passed away. Her funeral is scheduled for February 12, 2010.