aLEX wAS hERE: Alexander McQueen, 1969-2010

More than anyone -- anyone, even John Galliano -- else in fashion, Alexander McQueen, who died earlier today in London at the tragically young age of 40, always made you feel unsure of what he would come up with next -- he was always ready to surprise you.

The colors, the forms, always different and magic, so strange as to transform the world around them and take you to a different reality: looking at his clothes was like peering into a magic mirror.

Upon learning of his death, you feel sad -- you're choked up even if you didn't know him personally, because you feel as if fashion, and art, and the world are less colorful, and less magic, and -- quite simply -- just less interesting to look at now that McQueen is not around anymore.

Comments

[Dominic]

I'm very sorry to hear about that. I could never afford McQueen so instead I have a few clothes from Westwood, which I always considered "McQueen Lite". RIP.

[Crew Mantle]

I knew you would do something.

My heart is just broken Milady.

[Parsifal]

OMG. ***shocked***

[el cajon]

Very sad news and McQueen seems to have led a troubled life.

That red and black outfit and platform heels would work so well for the Queen of the Night. I really wish opera companies would hire more talented fashion designers, such as McQueen was; would result in more style, less regie trash onstage.

Would be great if OC did a WWW column about opera costumes (good and bad).

[Diva2themax]

May his genius rest in peace. I was so sad when I heard of his passing this morning, apparently he was a very troubled soul something not to uncommon with brilliant artists like himself.

[Paolo M.]

Riposa in pace.

[josia]

i am really sorry to learn of McQueen´s death, Irina Arkhipova died today too. today is a sad day for fashion and opera

[francesco]

molto triste. una persona sola che, perduta l'unica persona che lo aveva sempre amato, ha deciso di farla finita. riposi in pace.

[vale]

Money, drugs and the works... Lot a' good fame does for people. He's not the first nor the last that will end up this way. I'm not shocked or appalled. Just another day in a world full of heavy contradictions. That's all...

[Todds]

I'm with el cajon. I wish he had done an opera. Is he the man responsible for those "hoof heels" that Lady Gaga was wearing a few weeks ago? I think it was him. Regardless of if one liked his style or not, this is a huge loss for designers. He was unique, creative, and had a sense of humor about fashion.