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May 22 2013

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Alexander McQueen, RIP

The news that Alexander McQueen has killed himself is particularly devastating because it always felt to me like he’d be the last man standing. He was restless, but so pragmatic with it I assumed he had what it took to endure the extreme situations he placed himself in. He was also an arch romantic with a pessimistic streak. It produced some of the most beautiful, shocking images in the history of fashion, but it’s a state of mind that can lead to endless disappointments. The death of McQueen’s mother last week would have validated his pessimism. It would undoubtedly have taken away his most vital support. It’s awful to imagine him trying—and failing—to cope, and one can only hope that, if he was looking for peace, he found it. For everyone left behind, there will eventually be consolation, however scant right now, in a body of work whose power will never die.

Photo: Marcio Madeira

USER COMMENTS (173)

One thought on “173”

  1. billszoka

    Truly shocking to wake up to. He was truly one of the most brilliant and versatile designers ever. Clothes that were at times the most fragile and beautiful things you could imagine and then turn around and give you the hardest hitting things you had ever seen. Rest peacefully….

    Reply
  2. AvonDorsey

    Thanks for this Tim… I JUST remember last March being at McQueen’s show and taking a picture with you in front of the ‘pile’ of his collectibles. God Bless Us All :)

    Reply
  3. o8b3

    he was one of my favorite designers and it is very sad to see such an amazing mind like that wasted, but the article put it very well, alexander mcqueen RIP you will be remembered

    Reply
  4. fashionista79

    Thank you for this, Tim. His death is a loss to the world of fashion for he was such an artist, transcending the term of “designer.”

    Hopefully, he is at peace.

    Reply
  5. loskamillos

    After Yves-Saint Laurent he was my favorite designer. Today I watched ‘Bad Romance’ and again I was so thrilled with the beauty of his modern clothes and boots.

    Reply
  6. Lilev

    I just can’t believe it! His last RTW fashion show was truly amazing and one of the most interesting. Isn’t there any room for someone like this on earth?? And in the fasHion industry??

    Reply
  7. lovecouture1

    Truly devastated…such a loss:( The death of his dear mum was too much for his artistic soul to bear…tragic:( Thankful for the extraordinary beauty he gave us…

    Reply
  8. brightsummer

    This is so shocking and sad. He was so brilliant that there is no other can design things like him. Rest in peace…

    Reply
  9. lucialdn

    I just got back from the library (damn them not having announcements like this)and got bombarded with calls telling me of this. . theres not a word strong enough. . news . I am absolutely ajar with shock and upset over the talent and genius that died with him. He was my inspiration and determination to push forward for my dreams, such a loss.

    Reply
  10. jA_1

    –sorry for the loss to all those who knew him or felt his power in a show. Obviously as viewers, admirer-ers he gave us power, fun. R.I.P. Thank you Mr. McQueen you were AMAZING.

    Reply
  11. ccgptwinc

    living in america , where , i feel , is the birth place of cookie cutter fashion, mcqueen, for me gave me assurance that art and imagination can still strive in this capitolistic industry. i cant help but refer to Micheal Jackson, and how he and mcqeen were held hostage by their talent, with McQeen loosing his mom, which was his support system, I feel he made a haisty mistake , that unfortunatly cant be fixed, As hard as we work in this industry, and as critical as we are of each other, i think this is a time to realize that the fashion industry is precious, and is our only outlet (for some ) for expression, so we need to respect each other, as well as our talent and lives , Mcqueen will def b missed

    Reply
  12. ivettiso

    So shocked and sad. Like most, I will never be able to own a McQueen original, but his clothes were such an inspiration. I always looked forward to his collections and his last blew my mind. His artistic viewpoint always struck a cord with me and he was my favorite designer. I hope you find peace Alexander McQueen.

    Reply
  13. digibudi

    As we all are, I’m in shock. I find the words written here comforting and beautiful. In respect for his family and friends, my greatest condolence to them. Deeply saddened by this loss of such a great artist. – debeuf nikolaas, Belgium

    Reply
  14. SweetLikeKiwi

    So sad. He’s one of my favourite designers. I always said that if I suddenly became rich, the first thing I’d do was either buy a McQueen bag or shoes!

    Reply
  15. christopherpeirce

    Mr. Tim Blanks says it all.
    I have nothing to about this man.
    His body of work, his view of the McQueen woman,is how he wished to express himself. And he expressed himself beautifully, if not tragically.

    Reply
  16. Valerio

    A terrible loss for the industry and for his family. You can’t compare him with no one, he was a genius in his designs. The woman which discovered him Isabelle Blow committed suicide 3 years ago, she was his best friend and I hope he will meet her again now they are both dead. Above all I hope he find the peace he was looking for during his live. R.I.P. dear Mr. McQueen

    Reply
  17. artdeco5

    I am totally shocked! His designs were absolutely inspirational and visionary! We all will miss his vision and designs.

    Reply
  18. msr_A

    I’m shocked and devasted, and maybe I still don’t believe it. We are talking about a pure genius in his best moment.
    I can’t help wondering what is supposed to happen to his fashion house. Could anyone succeed him? I don’t guess so because his power and strengh (alongside all those so well accomplished techniques) laid on his imagination, and that one will never be replaced.

    Reply
  19. czina

    Rest in peace. I always looked forward his amazing runway shows. so stunning. world of fashion will miss his originality.

    Reply
  20. emurreldi

    Today marks a truly devastating loss. I feel lucky to have witnessed such brilliance in my lifetime. Alexander’s impact on the world of the arts and on those who have trouble expressing themselves by other means is immense. His absence will be a great one. Thank you, Tim.

    Reply
  21. JIN215

    Alexander Mcqueen will always live in my heart, as a powerful mental teacher. I hope your brand will never be disappeared in this fashion world, and someday in future i can work for you!!

    Reply
  22. leslie1

    I just can’t believe it. I don’t even know what to do with this information. Completely stunned… I just saw pictures of his body being taken out of his apartment, covered in a maroon body bag. Oh precious,sweet boy.

    My heart hurts…

    Reply
  23. jen31o

    He represented this generation and the next. We lost a great one. It’s completely tragic. I feel like we lost someone who was in the midst of innovating fashion.

    Reply
  24. CMastrangelo

    Lee Alexander McQueen’s death is sadly devastating. He led a remarkable career, producing work on a level that I dream of acquiring. In his work he found an exquisite balance between elegance, edge and drama, transcending the lines between art and fashion. He will continue to inspire the art and fashion world long after his death.

    Reply
  25. darrylanderson

    this was crazy i could not believe it.he was an i inspirations to all fashionistas and fashinistos. R.I.P. McQueen

    Reply
  26. lousybeatnik

    After checking my email this morning I was struck by this tragic piece of news on msn.com. We have lost one of the most brilliant designers/artists of our time.

    RIP

    Reply
  27. FrenchCactus

    I am in shock. McQueen had such a unique, beautiful, fantastic and daring universe and he was a true genius of a designer on top of that. His shows and collections were awaited by everyone every season, not for commercial reasons, but because we could only admire the work and integrity of this artist, the quality and the beauty of his shows. He will be missed for sure, no one can replace him.

    Reply
  28. Emiliofashuuun

    omg iv ben crying 4 the passt 5 min alexander McQueen was the man ho made me beleave that there was hope 4 me in the fashion world and i em the designer that i wana b cuz of him love u much and r.i.p

    Reply
  29. TheRealRunway

    Beautifully and articulately expressed, Tim. I utterly agree,, he really felt like the last true great maverick.

    One can not imagine the depths of despair he was in to feel like his only option was the one he so tragically took.

    Thankfully to his cheeky irreverence and peerless shows, he will leave a never-forgotten legacy.

    http://thereal-runway.com

    Reply
  30. stamatia

    I think Alexander McQueen left us with a rich heritage may he rest in peace. He was a g e n i u s. With so many people reading this around the world i wish to stress that comfort is never enough when we are greiving over a family member so much so a parent, its important to know there is somebody there for you. So to anyone that reads this I propose in memory of Alexander McQueen that when we come to know a person that goes through a hard time like this one was for him,to offer our presence, ears and heart to them maybey it cold make a difference.

    Reply
  31. stellarbella

    I found out from my sisters this morning on my way to class so I didn’t really absorb what actually just happened. After class I came home and logged on style.com where I immediately felt the urge to just look at his art, look at all his past collections, out of appreciation and respect. It wasn’t until doing this did I truly grasp the loss we have encountered. His artistic ability and brilliance held no bounds and as an aspiring desi gner, I can only feel like I lost a loved one. I am devastated. Rip Lee.

    Reply
  32. smorris

    I disbelief that there will be consolation eventually :(
    With the loss of Lee to the fashion world perhaps in decades from now people will realise what an impact his different point of view should have been instead of the growing shallowness that fashion nowadays appears to grow …Indeed, this ia a bad day for the fashionworld.

    Reply
  33. aDIORable_guy

    I cannot believe what I’m seeing. I’m in shock and at a loss for words. The fashion world has lost a great genius and my prayers go out to his family at this time. I think suicide isn’t talked about enough in the industry when I think about people like Isabella Blow and now McQ?

    Reply
  34. italstal980

    Alexander McQueen was unprecedented and so inspiring. So happy to say I have a piece from the amazing designer being memories, inspiration, and a phenomenal trench. McQueen Will Always Inspire

    Reply
  35. dieselgrl

    The loss of Lee McQueen is more then the loss of just a fashion designer. It is the loss of a great inspiration. His work touched and influenced me in many ways that will never be forgotten. My thoughts go out to his friends and family. If the news of his death can affect a girl who lives in the Midwest of the United States so, I cannot imagine the sorrow they’re feeling.

    Reply
  36. mdmom

    He must have been so lonely and felt that he had no one to turn to about his sorrows. I don’t know much about him but for his clothes. Where was his support system? For all the sycophants in the fashion and entertainment industry, he could not find true friends and kindred spirits?

    Reply
  37. fashcrash07

    i can’t even believe it…his work has always been perfection.it makes me sadder that he took his own life. just can’t believe it. my mind can’t even comprehend it.who else will step in to do what he did? Rest in peace<3

    Reply
  38. manchester

    my favourite designer. but in the end, it shows us that greater than design, clothes, and beauty, there is love, family and turmoil.

    Reply
  39. Serim

    We, designers are all fragile. in a case of losing a very loved one we can’t stand strong…even for a very creative genious like Alexander Mcqueen who seemed always having fun and really satisfied with his designs sometimes life can be very very hard to keep on. and that time nor art nor fashion can help us to go on alone. i understand him and i have a great empathy for him. rest in peace alex:))) you were always admired from deep inside of me!!!

    Reply
  40. bettydesigner

    There will never be consolation for those left behind. I don’t understand what Tim Blanks is talking about.
    Why did this happen? Hopefully there will come a day when there is no stigma over depression and mental illness. His mother’s death was the straw that broke the camel’s bake, but most probably Alexander McQueen had been suffering from severe depression for a long time. It is so, so sad when such bright, talented people end their amazing lifes.

    Reply
  41. kelleyd

    This is just tragic. On so many levels. So many of today’s brands are expendable; kill one and five more with the same “edgy, downtown take on basics” replace it. But McQueen and his talent were a rare gift to the industry–a breath of (however subverted) fresh air. His absence will leave a void in the industry that will not easily be filled.

    Reply
  42. theDOTinbetween

    I’m going to admit that I started crying when I heard the terrible news.

    To think that such a brilliant and unparalleled talent would fall to nothing less than suicide is completely shocking.

    A genius of his own right who dared to delve into the world of fashion in a way that few others dared to, his amazing creations never ceased to take my breath away and leave me gaping in wonder.

    Rest in peace.

    my own tribune to Alexander McQueen//
    He was truly a sole to admire for his impeccable talent and creativity, and his bravery in delving into the fashion world in a way that few others dared.

    Alexander McQueen,
    Rest in peace.

    Reply
  43. R5T2

    I am so sad over this and so shocked at the pain I feel for someone I did not know. I believe he was a genius, a creative genius. I’m comforted in the realization that his creations will continue to inspire.

    Reply
  44. citizenrosebud

    Very beautifully put. I think this tragedy has hit me so hard is just that: he did seem like he’d be the last man standing. It is a terrible and premature loss. There is a great void now in the voice of fashion. Rest In Peace, Mr. McQueen.

    Reply
  45. vtgirl

    Way back when Fashion File was a TV show, I started watching designers shows and was really enthralled, though I am not fashionista by any means. The creativity of design always excited me somehow, even when I knew pieces I was seeing would not be something I’d wear.
    Alexander McQueen’s designs took my breath away and I’ve always thought him a creative genius, brilliant beyond his years. This is a tragic loss to the fashion community. I am so saddened by this news.

    Reply
  46. neomatrixgirl

    I feel as if my heart is breaking. Knowing that there will be no more Alexander McQueen and no more shows is so incredibly sad. He was my favorite fashion designer ever! There is no one like him, and will never again be anyone like him! A unique, amazing designer! RIP.

    Reply
  47. gisellegg

    Tim, this is the most beautiful post I have read so far on Mcqueen. It is short but to the point and touches on the intrinsic issues within peoples personal lifes that outsiders can never really understand. Mcqueen was a visionary…

    Reply
  48. jcp393

    Still in shock and devastated! Can not believe that my personal idol has killed himself.
    Alexander McQueen will always remain as one of the most remarcable talents of all the times. I always thought that we´ll be one of the last man standing. His work is truly inspirational; he produced most of the beautiful yet shocking images of all times.
    R.I.P Lee Alexander McQueen

    Reply
  49. Briggettemarie

    I am sadden that such a brilliant talent is no longer here. I was so moved by his Spring 2010 collection. Alexander McQueen will go down in history as one of the great designer of the last decade, also as a true artist. I remember his first fashion show, where he hide his face during interveiw, because he was receiving government money. He had come along way in fashion, so much to offer the world.

    Reply
  50. artelcs

    Thank you, Mr. Blanks. Your insight into what happened is compassionate and does not exploit the McQueen. It is a sad death indeed.

    Reply
  51. paulvalentine

    One of the most influential persons ever lived in fashion has died and Style.com has his passing in fourth place. This is an tragic loss. We will never see AMcQ’s creative force again. NEVER!!!!!! Don’t you get it? This is it. Respect must be paid. Anna, Andre-dick-wad, fashion has shifted – authority must voice – things are different now – fashion is dying – couture is nearly dead. You have a job. Do IT!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  52. Paolo_Lopez

    He will be terribly miss. The fashion world just wouldn’t be the same without him. Rest in Peace Alexander Lee Mcqueen

    Reply
  53. IYABO

    Deeply touched & moved by the Passing,The Presence,& The Future of Alexander McQueen.In my opinion he has & always will continue to exist in the FUTURE…

    Reply
  54. GarconTetu

    The core of creativity is dead. Not even Gaultier and Galliano can be compared to his genius. McQueen had his own universe. Fashion just turned into a dark chapter. He will be impossible to replace.

    Reply
  55. FashionablyTacky

    This news is so tragic. I believe that McQueen was one of the greatest designers of our time. So creative. Such a great loss.

    R.I.P.

    Reply
  56. satkrit

    Ur never gonna read this mate.. but in a way you are the one who opened my eyes to whats creative thinking….U dont even know i exist…nor know how much i admired and respected you… will miss you forever..

    Reply
  57. amilius

    Mr. McQueen’s gift to us in this lifetime is complete. And such a gift so as to amaze creative minds for years to come…

    Reply
  58. VictorStew

    There are really no words to express how tragic… I was shocked & utterly devastated when I heard the news of his death. Alexander McQueen was an inspiration, and I know it is a fact that he will be missed. RIP Mr. McQueen.

    Reply
  59. cjswodoffl

    I’m very Shocked and depressive. His designs were the best of the best. We can not see his new look so sad. Now I would like to hope that Alexander McQueen rest in peace.

    Reply
  60. derekbro

    there are no words that can do any justice to how I feel. He was one of the Gods. A true legend. This marks the end of an era for fashion. RIP McQueen, I love you so much. Your incredible work will never be forgotten and will always inspire like it has inspired me.

    Reply
  61. akubitong

    My God… Impossible!!!!
    Why Why Why???

    Thanks Tim…
    We all love you Mcqueen and your spirit will live forever…

    Reply
  62. clogs

    Nicely written!
    McQueen’s aesthetics trancends the world of fashion. His universe spoke to all our senses, it was immediate, beautiful, intriguing and complex.
    The whole world, not only the fashion world, has lost a visionary of a kind it could use more of.

    Reply
  63. deeva

    I still can’t believe this is true…
    I just want to share my sorrow with the world of fashion. I feel something very similar to what I felt when I heard Michael (Jackson) died or when I found out about Brittany Murphy, it’s so sad to see such a big talent going away…
    And it’s even more painful if he took his own life…Teaches us a lesson about fame, money, power, they’re nothing at the end…

    We can only be grateful that he shared his amazing talent with the world and that we are living in a McQueen influenced fashion world.

    dianefreedom.blogspot.com

    Reply
  64. fashionista125

    Alexander Mcqueen was one of my biggest heroes, he was someone I looked up to. It has been my life long dream to find a career in fashion design, and would always think that if I ever was successful in the fashion world, I’d be like Alexander Mcqueen. It is extremely sad to think that the fashion world has lost one of it’s greatest designers. RIP Mr. Mcqueen; you will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  65. doritpapenheim

    What heartbreaking news! We all hope, Alexander you will find the peace you were looking for! Your genius, glorious works of art and beauty will be remembered! R.I.P.!

    Reply
  66. antifashion

    Tim you are a brilliant writer “He was also an arch romantic with a pessimistic streak “. This line is so accurate, and exactly to the point, and puts into works, his brilliant career. thanks for making feel a little better.

    Reply
  67. marinagoldie

    No words can explain how sorry I am for this big loss: I hope that he found peace. all my love….
    Marinagoldie

    Reply
  68. Icecream_4_Icecream

    I heard this terrible news yesterday, and I still feel very sad – both because of the loss of an outstanding designer and because of the human despair that led to the tragedy. RIP

    Reply
  69. MAComte

    Every scene he presented had magic and mystery. Like a wonderful contemporary art installation. Never ending creativity in his wonderful curiosity. May he fly like a falcon.

    Reply
  70. Joaquin

    One of the most visionary designers of our time has departed. Maybe his last collection showed us his vision of how paradise looks, to where he was going. British fashion has suddenly been weakened significantly. RIP.

    Reply
  71. miamiolivia

    thank you Tim for those words. I was traveling when the news broke and heard it over the News at an airport. I had no real contact with anyone until my plane landed and felt suspended in time. I cannot seem to process that Alexander McQueen is actually gone. We all have tragedy that no one knows about, great and small. I feel so bad that he would be pushed to face that much despair to not want to see the light of another day, when he was obviously so loved and admired. To say that he will be terribly missed doesn’t even begin to touch what a tragic loss this is not only for the Fashion and Entertainment Industries, but for collective creativity. He was a master.

    Reply
  72. DiorElieGirl

    I am overcome with shock.
    Alexander McQueen was one of the greatest designers this world has ever had. He was different, his work was risky yet he never doubted it. To learn that one of my favorite designers and role models has supposedly commited suicide is like losing a friend.

    I am at a loss of words. The world was a better place with him in it.

    RIP Alexander Queen.

    Reply
  73. agnesita

    It was a big pleasure to have this fantastic person and fashion genesius in our world.
    Thank you God for knowing him. He will live in our hearts forever.
    Let he rests in peace.
    With big respect.
    Agne

    Reply
  74. Anablanch

    My heart and my imagination right now are longing for you, Alexander.
    I remember a beautiful picture of you with your dog Luicy, published in an special limited edition i-D with the theme FAMILY: FUTURE POSITIVE…..and it is.
    Kisses

    Reply
  75. jeans1968

    i’am from romania,like him i’am designer.for me ,mcqueen is good in fashion.i dont belive in him die.dont forghet you

    Reply
  76. couturecandy

    I am truely shocked and the news yesterday seemed surreal he was the most innovative designers to date. The fashion week will be missing its spark of electricity.

    Reply
  77. georginacookie

    So beautifully written Tim, so deeply sad poor guy, the highs and lows of a creative genius. I hope he knew what an inspiration he was to so many.
    May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  78. lindsaydimarzo

    alexander mcqueen was one of the best, original designers of our time. he will always be remembered and forever missed by the whole industry. looking threw fashion mags, alexander mcqueen always made you stop and look. he was an amazingly talented man. its sad that he couldn;t see what so many people could, rest in peace

    Reply
  79. assolis

    It is not necessarily sad that he has passed, life, after all must take its course. however, it is a great misfortune to those of us who admired his work that Alexander McQueen will no longer be part of our world to in fact make it better. He was truly a remarkable artist, a visionary. Not only in fashion but in the creation of beauty, that which makes this world more elegant, more distinguished, more exciting, more marvelous. May he be in peace, and may he have found what he was searching. The rest of us now must certainly simply accept that there will simply never be another Alexander McQueen, and be grateful that there was.

    Reply
  80. Mitten

    This was very nicely written, at a time when thoughtfully expressing ones emotions must be so difficult. RIP, Alexander McQueen. You will be very missed.

    Reply
  81. thomasng3

    It is so awful and truly shocking to hear of his sudden death. His clothes are so beautiful and will be missed. Speaking of clothes, there are some Alexander McQueen I’ve found on Gilt not too long ago. I recommend anybody to grab them before they become collector’s item! You do have to register but here is the exclusive link:
    http://www.gilt.com/invite/mylink69942

    Reply
  82. Lancielass

    I think we should be able to see his Fall 2010 collection. It would be a celebration of his life, and I think it’s a mistake to deprive his loyal fans. I’m heartbroken.
    The show must go on!

    Reply
  83. Lancielass

    I just started a group called:
    “We want to see Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2010 collection”
    on facebook. To celebrate the life of a great artist.
    Please join.
    Thanks.

    Reply
  84. Lancielass

    I just started a group “We want to see Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2010 collection”
    You know where, please join.

    Reply
  85. FrankyChan

    I don’t know what to say. He was one of the greatest designers today, and I just can’t believe the fact that he’s gone. What a fucking shame. The only thing there is to cheer this situation up is that his designs will never die. RIP

    Reply
  86. EmilieeMarie

    Days later and I still can’t believe it. It really bothers me when I mention his death and people are like “McQueen who??” deeply saddening, but at least some people appreciate what he poured his life into. Thankyou McQueen for all you brought to the fashion industry, you will be HUGELY missed.

    Reply
  87. cekane

    I don’t know why it’s taken four days for me to find out about Alexander McQueen’s death, but I am totally shocked! He was a favorite, and I am so saddened to hear of his passing. He will be missed by so many for a very long time to come.

    Reply
  88. dawnbell

    Long live McQueen! Very nice tribute Tim..I follow your fashion reports.Alexander McQueen was a brilliant light,and I will miss his inspiration. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

    Reply
  89. Pandasplease

    This is so hard to believe… McQueen was the first designer I fell in love with. A first anything is always hard to let go of. His talent was as unimaginable as it was inspirational. The disappointment of never seeing a new McQueen collection is only alleviated by the long line of genius fashion he’s left with us. Thank you so much, McQueen, for being someone we’ve desperately needed in the world.

    Reply
  90. vicomeus

    There are so many designers out there but there are very very few who I can say that are Truly truly talented like Mister Mcqueen may he RIP.

    Reply
  91. yellowsubmarine_m6

    Alexander McQueen was truely a genius and will forever live on through the threads of every fashion foward human who fully understood his passion and talent.

    Reply

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