Tributes for 'brilliant' designer Alexander McQueen
Celebrities and friends have paid tribute to British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, following his sudden death at the age of 40.
Tyra Banks, who fronts fashion show America's Top Model, said it was a "huge loss".
A statement released on behalf of supermodel Kate Moss said she was "shocked and devastated" at the death of her "dear friend".
Fellow designers Karl Largerfeld and Matthew Williamson also paid tribute.
Music stars
Nicknamed "the hooligan of English fashion", McQueen's designs were worn by stars including actresses Sarah Jessica Parker, Sandra Bullock and Eva Green.
Rihanna, Lady GaGa and Bjork were among the music stars who favoured his designs, and his close friendship with the Icelandic singer led to McQueen directing her music video Alarm Call in 2006.
Kate Moss was said to be 'shocked and devastated'
A host of stars paid tribute to the designer on the micro-blogging site Twitter.
"RIP Alexander McQueen," wrote Banks, a former model. "So, so sad. Such a huge loss. He was one of my favourite designers. He will be missed."
"Very, very sad news about Lee McQueen," wrote singer Boy George. "He was a genius, such tragic news."
Kelly Osbourne wrote: "I am so, so sad to hear the news of Lee (Alexander) McQueen! I really just don't know what say I'm really in shock."
Actress Kirstie Alley showed characteristic humour in her tribute: "Alexander McQueen, you made big bottomed and not-so-big bottomed girls all over the world look stunning..come back soon..give it another go."
Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman said: "Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. "His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't," she added.
Paramedics were called to McQueen's Mayfair home on Thursday where the designer was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death comes just days before the start of London Fashion Week, and final preparations were made to unveil his spring collection.
"His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs," Ms Shulman added.
"At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over."
'Tragic waste'
Pop star Cheryl Cole, who wore a £4,000 diaphanous McQueen dress to her 26th birthday party last year, said :"My heart goes out to Alexander's family and friends at this unbelievably sad and tragic time. Fashion has lost one of it's most talented and inspirational figures."
Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood said she was "incredibly sorry to hear the news".
"He was a genius. What a terrible, tragic waste," said designer Katherine Hamnett.
Sandra Bullock wore a McQueen dress to the Screen Actor Guild Awards
Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld said: "I found his work very interesting and never banal. "There was always some attraction to death, his designs were sometimes dehumanised. "Who knows, perhaps after flirting with death too often, death attracts you."
Referring to the designer by his given first name, Lorraine Candy, editor of Elle magazine, said: "Lee was the face of British fashion and his genius will be sorely missed by those who knew him and those of us who admired his unique and magical work."
Matthew Williamson said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the designer's death. "He was a genius and his talent was second to none. "Like many others, I always cited him as a hugely inspirational leader of world fashion. He will be greatly missed."
Fellow designer Paul Smith said he was "extremely shocked" at the news. "I have known Lee since his time at Saint Martins and gave him advice in the early part of his career. He was a very talented and creative designer, especially in respect of his tailored clothing."
BBC News.
