Alexander McQueen dies

The iconic fashion designer was found at his London home...

19:21 11 February 2010

Influential fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead at the age of 40.

The Metropolitan Police have said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A statement issued by the family said that his family are "devastated" by the "tragic news" and that they are sharing "a sense of shock and grief".

His death comes a week after his mother passed away. The fashion star wrote on his Twitter page on February 3 announced that his mother had died.

Speculation that the four-time British Designer of the Year winner took his own life has not been confirmed.

His death has come only days before Fashion Week, as preparation for his collection's unveiling in Paris are made

A statement (referring to him by his 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.

"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."

Culture secretary, Ben Bradshaw, said he had "made an outstanding contribution" to British fashion.

Supermodel Kate Moss was  "devastated" according to a statement released on her behalf.

The designer Katherine Hamnett said: "He was a genius. What a terrible, tragic waste."

Editor of the UK Vogue magazine, Alexandra Shulman, told how McQueen had influenced a whole generation of designers.

"His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs," she added.

"His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."

McQueen was named the British designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003 and was also awarded the CBE.