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I started seriously following fashion about a year ago, and the second I saw those near-grotesque Leigh Bowery lips on top of an exaggerated version of my Michael Kors houndstooth coat, I was hooked on Alexander McQueen.  No other designer gave me the sense of thorough creativity and technique, nor inspired me to view fashion as an art form, as much as he did.  

Known early as l’enfant terrible, McQueen pushed the boundaries of theatrics during his shows, and often presented collections that were dark and challenging, but ultimately very beautiful.  He began his career as a young prodigy, quickly proved himself as the head of Givenchy in the late 90s, and of late was finally solidifying his success in both critical and commercial avenues – a coveted distinction for any designer.  The sad news of his death last week shook the fashion world and evoked the feeling of another brilliant artist with too many inner demons.

The fate of his label is undecided – will there be a posthumous showing of his Fall 2010 collection in Paris? Will someone take over? Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist makes some guesses, but it looks like the future is still in question.

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McQueen’s death came as a sad start to New York Fashion Week, but his
friends and followers have made great outpourings of love and
remembrance.  Daphne Guinness, at Naomi Campbell’s Fashion for Relief
Haiti benefit, walked in his infamous Spring 2010 lobster-claw platform
shoes and a striking full body gold suit, waving a length of white
chiffon behind her in a really beautiful tribute.  She was joined by
some of her fellow models, wearing some of his past looks (see above
photo).Below is a gallery of my favorite McQueen pieces, which I
discovered after I viewed every collection he’d ever created when I was
under a heavy Sudafed haze on a sick day last fall.  Slightly weird on
my part, but totally worth it! I can’t remember being so moved
by the death of someone I never personally knew, which I think is a
testament to McQueen’s lasting influence, inspiration, and incredible
body of work.  He will be missed.