Alexander McQueen

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen was born March 17, 1969. He displayed his love for fashion at an early age. He was drawing dresses and making dresses for his three sisters before having any formal training. His apprenticeship gave him the fine tailoring skills he would come to be known for. McQueen had a brief stint creating theatrical costumes for costume supplier Angels Costumes in London. In 1990 he applied for a teaching position, but was encouraged, instead to enroll as a student. Upon graduation, his entire collection was purchased by magazine editor Isabella Blow. Blow grew to become a mentor, or sorts. Early professional runway shows gave McQueen a reputation for controversy. Some of McQueen's designs were worn and used by music artists David Bowie, Björk, Janet Jackson and Lady Gaga. Alexander McQueen died on February 11, 2010 in London, England at the age of 40.