- Alexander McQueen , who was born on March 17, 1969, would have been 51 today. Tragically, he died by suicide in February 2010 at the age of 40.
- McQueen is considered to be one of the most influential and innovative designers in fashion history.
- Beginning his career as a tailor in the UK, he went on to start his eponymous line in 1992 and also had a brief stint as the creative director of Givenchy.
- McQueen was known for his extravagant, lavish runway shows, and for implementing new technology into his fashion shows.
- More than a year after his death, the Metropolitan Museum of Art showed a posthumous exhibition of McQueen's work entitled " Savage Beauty. " It became one of the most popular exhibits in the history of the Met.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere
Today would have been Alexander McQueen's 51st birthday.
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Alexander McQueen. It's a name that rarely needs introduction.
The late designer is often regarded as one of the most influential and innovative designers of all time. Whether one remembers his 1999 Spring/Summer show , which saw a model in a white dress on a revolving runway being sprayed with red paint guns, or some of his lavish, extravagant gowns that have stormed the fashion stages, you know his name, and you know it well.
McQueen started his career as a tailor before going on to launch his eponymous line in 1992. After a five-year stint as the creative director of Givenchy, he returned his focus to his own label in 2001 and sold a 51% stake in it to the Gucci Group (now called Kering, one of the world's largest luxury conglomerates) . The partnership helped him expand to fashion capitals such as Milan and New York, taking his brand worldwide.
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Throughout his life, McQueen was known by many nicknames, including " l'enfant terrible ," like his contemporary Jean-Paul Gaultier , or " the hooligan of English Fashion " because of his rebellious nature. But even among his critics, he was always noted as being talented, innovative, and one of the best in his craft.
Tragically, McQueen died by suicide on February 11, 2010, only a few days after his mother passed away . When McQueen died, it was reported that he left behind 16 million ($19.7 million), which he split between various charities, his family, employees, and his dogs.
Today, his label is led by McQueen's long-time assistant, Sarah Burton , who, a year after McQueen's death, went on to design the wedding dress Kate Middleton wore when she married Prince William .
Keep reading to look back at the illustrious and innovative life and career ofAlexander McQueen.
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