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Designer Alexander McQueen dies Designer Alexander McQueen dies
(10 minutes later)
The fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead, his company said. The fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead at his London home.
His office confirmed to the BBC that Mr McQueen, 40, was discovered at his London home this morning. His office confirmed to the BBC that Mr McQueen, 40, was discovered at the Mayfair property this morning.
Police said that his death was not being treated as suspicious. The BBC's Tom Symonds said reports he had taken his own life had not been confirmed.Police said that his death was not being treated as suspicious. The BBC's Tom Symonds said reports he had taken his own life had not been confirmed.
A statement said his family were "devastated" at the "tragic news", and added that they shared "a sense of shock and grief".A statement said his family were "devastated" at the "tragic news", and added that they shared "a sense of shock and grief".
In a message on his Twitter page on 3 February, Mr McQueen said his mother had passed away.In a message on his Twitter page on 3 February, Mr McQueen said his mother had passed away.
Mr McQueen won the distinction of being named British designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003 and was also awarded the CBE.Mr McQueen won the distinction of being named British designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003 and was also awarded the CBE.
'Shock and grief''Shock and grief'
The London-born designer started his career as an apprentice in Savile Row, where he learned how to make jackets at Gieves and Hawkes.The London-born designer started his career as an apprentice in Savile Row, where he learned how to make jackets at Gieves and Hawkes.
FROM BBC RADIO 5 LIVE More from BBC Radio 5 liveFROM BBC RADIO 5 LIVE More from BBC Radio 5 live
In 1996, the man nicknamed "the hooligan of English fashion", with his close-cropped hair and Doc Martens, was named head designer at the Paris couture house of Givenchy.In 1996, the man nicknamed "the hooligan of English fashion", with his close-cropped hair and Doc Martens, was named head designer at the Paris couture house of Givenchy.
Mr McQueen's close friend and fashion icon Isabella Blow, who helped kick-start his career, killed herself in 2007.Mr McQueen's close friend and fashion icon Isabella Blow, who helped kick-start his career, killed herself in 2007.
A statement released by his office - referring to the designer by his given first name, Lee - read: "On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home.A statement released by his office - referring to the designer by his given first name, Lee - read: "On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home.
Mr McQueen wrote of his mother's death on TwitterMr McQueen wrote of his mother's death on Twitter
"At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family."At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family.
"Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.""Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this."
His death came days before London Fashion Week, and as final preparations were being made for a spring collection to be unveiled in Paris.His death came days before London Fashion Week, and as final preparations were being made for a spring collection to be unveiled in Paris.
On 3 February, he wrote on his Twitter page that his mother Joyce had passed away the day before, adding: "RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx."On 3 February, he wrote on his Twitter page that his mother Joyce had passed away the day before, adding: "RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx."
Four days later he wrote that he had had an "awful week" but said "friends have been great", adding: "now i have to some how pull myself together".Four days later he wrote that he had had an "awful week" but said "friends have been great", adding: "now i have to some how pull myself together".
His brilliant imagination knew no bounds Alexandra ShulmanBritish Vogue Obituary: Fashion king McQueen His brilliant imagination knew no bounds Alexandra ShulmanBritish Vogue Obituary: Fashion king McQueen class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=7499&edition=2">Send us your comments
Tributes have been paid to Mr McQueen from across the fashion world and beyond.Tributes have been paid to Mr McQueen from across the fashion world and beyond.
Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw said he had "made an outstanding contribution" to British fashion.Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw said he had "made an outstanding contribution" to British fashion.
A statement released on behalf of the model Kate Moss said she was "devastated".A statement released on behalf of the model Kate Moss said she was "devastated".
The designer Katherine Hamnett said: "He was a genius. What a terrible, tragic waste."The designer Katherine Hamnett said: "He was a genius. What a terrible, tragic waste."
Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, said Mr McQueen had influenced a whole generation of designers.Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, said Mr McQueen had influenced a whole generation of designers.
She added: "His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs.She added: "His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs.
Mr McQueen's mother Joyce died days before himMr McQueen's mother Joyce died days before him
"His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't.""His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."
Designer Matthew Williamson said he was "shocked and deeply saddened".Designer Matthew Williamson said he was "shocked and deeply saddened".
Paul Smith paid tribute to "a very talented and creative designer".Paul Smith paid tribute to "a very talented and creative designer".
Mr McQueen's body was removed from the house and taken away in a private ambulance at 1646 GMT.Mr McQueen's body was removed from the house and taken away in a private ambulance at 1646 GMT.
A man with short blond hair, who said he was Mr McQueen's boyfriend, had been allowed inside at 1615 GMT.A man with short blond hair, who said he was Mr McQueen's boyfriend, had been allowed inside at 1615 GMT.
Staff were in tears at his company headquarters in Farringdon, central London.Staff were in tears at his company headquarters in Farringdon, central London.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We were called by London Ambulance Service at about 10.20am this morning to reports of a man found dead at an address in Green Street, W1.A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We were called by London Ambulance Service at about 10.20am this morning to reports of a man found dead at an address in Green Street, W1.
"He is believed to be 40 years old and from London. Next of kin have been informed, however we await formal identification before releasing the name of the deceased.""He is believed to be 40 years old and from London. Next of kin have been informed, however we await formal identification before releasing the name of the deceased."